CHIOMA ORIUWA (She/Her)
Position: President
Chioma Oriuwa is a JD Candidate in her third year at Osgoode Hall Law School. Before law school, Chioma was a Student-Athlete and a passionate advocate working in various sectors in the field of Social Work.
Chioma’s advocacy and passion for giving back to her community are demonstrated by her involvement within Osgoode. In her first year, she was the 1L representative for the Black Law Students Association (BLSA) and was a part of the admissions committee. In her 2L year, she took on the position of BLSA’s Vice-President, and student ambassador for Osgoode. She was also the Program Coordinator for the Raise the Black Bar initiative, where she was actively involved in developing programs to engage Black youth to explore the legal field and foster positive change within educational systems. Chioma is now the current President of BLSA Osgoode for the 2024/2025 school year and has also taken on the role of Lead Ambassador for Student Recruitment. Chioma holds a Social Service Worker Diploma with honours, a degree in Family and Youth Social Services, and a Master’s Degree in Social Work specializing in children, youth and families.
Connect with Chioma at coriuwa@yorku.ca.
HAMDI ABDO (He/Him)
Position: Vice-President
Hamdi is entering his third year of law school at Osgoode Hall. Hamdi holds a Master of Biomedical Science & Commercialization and a Bachelor of Health Science (Honours) degree from McMaster University. Hamdi’s legal interests vary, but notable specialties include business law, health & regulatory law, and civil litigation.
Outside of work, Hamdi enjoys volunteering in the community. He currently volunteers as the executive of the Osgoodes’ Black Law Student Association (BLSA). He is an avid Raptors fan and enjoys exploring the walking trails in Toronto.
Connect with Hamdi at abdoh1@yorku.ca.
SJ RASHEED (She/Her)
Position: Secretary
SJ is an enthusiastic and passionate JD Candidate in her 3rd year at Osgoode Hall Law School. She is currently the Secretary of Osgoode’s BLSA Chapter and has been a member of BLSA’s executive team for 2 years. SJ has an Honours Bachelor of Journalism where she specified in climate reporting from the University of Carleton. She encourages BLSA members to reach out with any questions or concerns and hopes to foster community building during her remaining time in law school.
Connect with SJ at sjrash21@yorku.ca
EYITAYO KUNLE-OLADOSU (She/Her)
Position:
Academic and Professional Development Director
Eyitayo is a third-year Osgoode Hall Law School student and an incoming articling student at McCarthy Tétrault LLP. At Osgoode, she is the Vice-President of Academic and Professional Development at the Black Law Students’ Association and a Student Ambassador for the Osgoode Society for Canadian Legal History. She has also served as a Senior Editor of the Osgoode Hall Law Journal, a Dean’s Fellow in Civil Procedure, a Research Assistant in constitutional law and legal history, and recently completed a clinical placement at the Human Rights Legal Support Centre, where she assisted applicants at the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal with mediations, hearings, and requests for orders.
Eyitayo has a Bachelor of Arts in History from McGill University, with First Class Honours and a specialization in Canadian legal history.
Connect with Eyitayo at eyitayok@yorku.ca.
SABRINA TEKLAB (She/Her)
Position: Equity Director
Sabrina Teklab is a 2L and the Equity Director at BLSA Osgoode. Last year, she was BLSA’s Cultural Outreach Director.
During her time at Osgoode, she has participated in a Pro Bono Students Canada placement at Matthew House and has been a Research Assistant. Currently, she is doing a placement at the Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic and is a member of the Osgoode International Law Society. Sabrina has a demonstrated history of being a youth specialist and working in community development, educational systems, law enforcement and non-profit industries in her hometown of Ottawa.
She is a graduate of an MSc in International Migration and Public Policy from the London School of Economics and Political Science and holds an Honours Bachelor of Social Science in Conflict Studies and Human Rights.
Connect with Sabrina at sabrin24@yorku.ca.
CINDY KAMAU (She/Her)
Position: Alumni Relations Director
Cindy Kamau is the BLSA Alumni Director. Prior to this role, she served as the Treasurer for the BLSA 2023-2024 Team.
Outside of BLSA Osgoode, Cindy has been involved in numerous leadership roles. She is the two-term Co-President of the Osgoode International Law Society, where she has led countless efforts in events geared towards guiding students navigating a career path in international law. She has also served as the National Moot Director for BLSA Canada. Outside the legal field, she regularly volunteers at a women’s community health centre that bridges access to health care for underserved communities in the Greater Toronto Area.
Connect with Cindy at cnkamau@yorku.ca.
AICHA TOURE (She/Her)
Position: Mentorship Director
Aïcha Yasmine Touré is a 2L student and the Mentorship Director for BLSA Osgoode. She also currently serves as the Vice-President of the Osgoode Securities Law Association (OSLA). Additionally, Aïcha is a Fall 2024 Anti-Discrimination Intensive Program (ADIP) Student working at the Human Rights Legal Support Centre.
Aïcha graduated from the University of Toronto with an Honours Bachelor of Arts in International Development Studies Co-op and Public Policy.
Connect with Aïcha at aichatoure2023@osgoode.yorku.ca
JORDAN SERIEUX (She/Her)
Position: Social Director
Jordan Serieux is a driven 2L student and the current Social Director for BLSA Osgoode. She recently completed her term as the BLSA 1L Representative and is looking forward to a fulfilling year in her new role as Social Director. Additionally, she is an Osgoode Student Ambassador and a member of the incoming winter cohort at Parkdale Community Legal Clinic.
Jordan holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts from the University of Toronto where she double majored in Ethics, Society & Law and Political Science.
Connect with Jordan at jordanserieux2023@osgoode.yorku.ca
REAGAN COCKBURN (She/Her)
Position: IT and Communications Director
Reagan Cockburn (she/her) is a 2L student at Osgoode, and is currently serving as your IT & Communications Director!
Reagan is also the current VP Internal of Osgoode’s student government – the Legal & Literary Society – as well as a member of the Professional Development Committee with BLSA Canada, and a Clinical Student at the Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic.
This summer, Reagan was a 1L Student at Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP (“Blakes”). She looks forward to returning there for her 2L summer.
Last year, Reagan was a student volunteer for the Afghan Women’s Organization through PBSC, a 1L Co-Representative on Osgoode’s International Law Society, a volunteer in BLSA Osgoode’s Raise the Black Bar program, a Student Ambassador, a Dean’s Scribe, and an active moot oralist & judge.
Reagan graduated from Western University in 2023 with an Honours Double Major in Political Science & Psychology.
Reagan can be reached at reagancockburn2023@osgoode.yorku.ca
JASMINE BATES (She/Her)
Position: IT and Communications Director
Jasmine Bates is a dedicated 1L student and the current Co-IT and Communications Director for BLSA Osgoode.
Jasmine is also President of the First-Generation Lawyers Club and Section C’s 1L Rep for the Legal & Literary Society – Osgoode’s student government. Additionally, she is an active member of the Communication Committee with BLSA Canada and a Clinic Fellow at the IP Innovation Clinic.
Beyond her law school commitments, Jasmine is deeply interested in advocacy and politics, serving as the President of the College Student Alliance, a non-partisan lobbyist organization focused on collaborating with stakeholders and the government to enhance the post-secondary experience for students in Ontario.
Jasmine holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Media and Communications Studies from the University of Guelph-Humber.
Connect with Jasmine at jasminebates2024@osgoode.yorku.ca.
MAUREEN COULIBALY (She/Her)
Position: Special Projects Director
Maureen Coulibaly is a 2L student and the Special Projects Director for BLSA Osgoode. She is an Osgoode Student Ambassador. Maureen is also involved with LAWS as a workshop facilitator and is the upper-year representative for the Nyantende Foundation. An active member of BLSA Canada, Maureen is on the Professional Development and Conference Committees. In her 1L summer, Maureen was a legal intern at the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP).
Maureen graduated from the University of Toronto with an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Sociolegal Studies and Ethics, Society and Law. Fun fact, Maureen’s first language is French.
Reach out to Maureen at yvanmaureencoulibaly2023@osgoode.yorku.ca.
JAHNEL BROOKES (She/Her)
Position: Special Projects Assistant
Jahnel Brookes is a 2L student, and the Special Projects Assistant with BLSA Osgoode. She is active in the community, volunteering with Law in Action within Schools (LAWS) and BLSA Canada as a Conference and Moot committee member.
Jahnel holds an Honours Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Toronto, having completed a Co-op Psychology Specialist and Minor in Public Law.
Connect with Jahnel at jahnelbrookes2023@osgoode.yorku.ca.
GABRIELLE GONSALVES (She/Her)
Position: Treasurer
Gabrielle Gonsalves is a 2L student enrolled in the International and Transnational Law Intensive Program. She was a Junior Caseworker within the Criminal Law division at Osgoode’s Community & Legal Aid Services Program (CLASP), and 1L rep for the Canadian Lawyers for International Human Rights.
Gabrielle is currently the Diversity and Inclusion Officer of the Osgoode Women’s Network (OWN), Treasurer of the Black Law Students’ Association (BLSA), Student Ambassador, and volunteer with the Osgoode Peer Support Centre (OPSC). Additionally, she is a Clinic Fellow at the IP Innovation Clinic, Coordinator of Raise the Black Bar (RBB), and educator/mentor with Law in Action Within Schools (LAWS). Outside of the classroom, Gabrielle is part of the Mentorship Committee within the Black Female Lawyers’ Network (BFLN), and spends most weekends teaching children the basics of functional computer programming.
Gabrielle holds an Honours Bachelor of Science in the Life Sciences from McMaster University, where her coursework focused on biochemistry, computer science, and sustainability.
Connect with Gabrielle at GabrielleGonsalves2023@osgoode.yorku.ca.
LEANDRE HAMILTON (He/Him)
Position: Community Outreach Director
Leandre is a 3L. He is currently the Community Outreach Director of BLSA Osgoode and a Senior Division Leader in the ID Clinic Division of Community and Legal Aid Services Program (CLASP). He is an active participant and organizer in a number of community events and initiatives. Leandre holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Forensic Psychology from Carleton University.
Connect with Leandre Hamilton at leandrehamilton2022@osgoode.yorku.ca.
KRIS-ANDRE SMITH
Position: Cultural Outreach Director
Kris-Andre is currently 3L year at Osgoode Hall Law School. Before law school, Kris-Andre was a songwriter and producer, crafting music for TV shows on networks such as Showtime and CBC. As a member of Osgoode’s BLSA chapter, he was appointed the Social Director in his 2L year, curating events to benefit the community.
He has recently returned from South Africa, where he worked on Human Rights cases and Constitutional matters in Johannesburg. Kris-Andre also sits on the board as a director of the Scarborough Clinic Legal Services, serving the community he belongs to.
Connect with Kris-Andre at krisandresmith2022@osgoode.yorku.ca.
ABIGAIL GEAM (She/Her)
Position: 1L Representative
Abby is a 1L student in the JD/MBA program and serves as the 1L Representative for BLSA Osgoode. She is actively involved with BLSA Canada’s Professional Development Committee and is a Senior Editor for the Canadian Law Journal.
In her free time, Abby has a passion for exploring real estate trends. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from York University.
Feel free to connect with Abby at abby06@yorku.ca.
MARYAMA AYAN FARAH (She/Her)
Position: LLM Representative
Maryama Farah comes to us from Kenya as an LLM student completing her accreditation process. She has 15 years experience working in legal nonprofit broadly but more specifically as an advocate for affirming the rights of indigenous people and local communities to their land and natural resources. She focused on helping Indigenous people and local communities develop communal land tenure regimes in accordance with new laws and policy. Her passion for negotiations between the government and indigenous communities, educating local activists and community groups on how to effectively know, use and change the law is one that she continues to harbour. She worked on strengthening the language in laws and policy to ensure adherence to FPIC ( free prior and informed consent) and a just energy transition even as Africa moves towards their development goals.
Maryama holds an LLB in common law and an LLB in Sharia. She has an MSc in Public Policy and is a Chevening alumna. She also volunteers at CLASP and is a voracious reader with a leaning towards science fiction actively working to decolonise her bookshelf. Maryama is currently writing her first full length novel and looks forward to sharing and growing with BLSA!
Reach out to Maryama at mrma87@yorku.ca.
Executives At-Large
DANIELLA CHARLES-OBAZEI (She/Her)
Daniella Charles-Obazei is a dedicated 1L student and a current 1L representative for First Generation lawyers ( FGL) and the Christian Legal Fellowship (CLF) at Osgoode.She is currently, an Osgoode Student Ambassador and a BLSA executive at large member.
Daniella holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Justice, Political Philosophy, and Law from McMaster University
Connect with Daniella at charld8@yorku.ca.
SHAE-ASHLEIGH OWEN (She/Her)
Shae-Ashleigh Owen is a delightful 3L student in her final year.
She is currently the Vice President of the Osgoode Peer Support Centre and the Co-Vice President of Social and Planning at Osgoode Outlaw, a Faculty Counsel Committee member for the Osgoode student government, a staff writer for the Entertainment and Sports Blog, a writer for the ObiterDicta as well as an Executive-at-large at BLSA Osgoode. She is also a member of the Conference Committee at BLSA Canada and a Law Student at the Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic.
Shae-Ashleigh holds a Masters and an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from McMaster University
Connect with Shae-Ashleigh at shaeashleighowen2022@osgoode.yorku.ca.
LESLIE MUTONI (She/Her)
Leslie Mutoni is a 1L student from Section A. She is a member of the Executive-at-Large committee for BLSA Osgoode and a Student Volunteer with the Black Legal Action Centre through Pro Bono Students Canada.
Leslie holds an Honours Bachelor of Science degree in Criminology & Sociolegal Studies, Psychology and Sociology from the University of Toronto St. George.
Connect with Leslie at lesliemutoni2024@osgoode.yorku.ca.
ESRAH AKASHA (She/Her)
Esrah Akasha (she/her) is a 1L student and an executive at large of BLSA Osgoode. She is currently a part of Hearts and Minds, a research project dedicated to co-creating civic engagement amongst Black and Indigenous youth.
She attended the University of Toronto where she double majored in Chemistry and Sociology.
Connect with Esrah at akashaes@yorku.ca.
ZARIAH STONE (She/Her)
Zariah Stone is a 1L who is strongly interested in international law, community outreach, and mentorship. She hopes to meaningfully contribute to the BLSA Osgoode community in achieving its goal of increasing access to legal education for Black-identifying individuals. She is the Section D Representative for the Osgoode International Law Society, the 1L Representative for Nyantende Foundation Osgoode Chapter, and an active member of Osgoode Christian Legal Fellowship.
At her alma mater, Wilfrid Laurier University, Zariah earned her Honours B.A. in Political Science. She also led a mentorship program for undergraduate students and participated in the inaugural year of the Avenue Internship program for Black undergraduate students.
Connect with Zariah Stone at zariahstone2024@osgoode.yorku.ca.
CHRISTENE DOWNER
Christene Downer is a driven Juris Doctor candidate at Osgoode Hall Law School with a strong public service, policy development, and legal advocacy record. She holds a master’s from York University in Public Policy Administration and Law, a BSc. in Social Work, and a BA in Law & Society. Recently, as a Summer Law Student with Ontario’s Chief Coroner, she contributed to impactful inquest recommendations on Indigenous issues, helping shape preventive measures against future deaths. Previously, Christene served as a Policy Analyst with Ontario’s Ministry of Mines, leading the development of an environmental values policy and engaging Indigenous stakeholders in resource discussions.
As a community leader, she founded The Little Christene’s Foundation in Jamaica, providing educational resources and financial assistance to single-parent families. Christene also holds executive roles with the Black Law Students Association, advocating for justice and equity across legal and governmental spheres.
Connect with Christene at shaeashleighowen2022@osgoode.yorku.ca.
VICTORIA HINKSON (She/Her)
Victoria Hinkson is a passionate and inquisitive 1L student who holds an Executive-at-Large position for BLSA Osgoode.She is currently an Associate Editor for the Osgoode Hall Law Journal, the Section A 1L Representative for the Osgoode International Law Society, and an Osgoode Student Ambassador.
Victoria holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from King’s University College at Western University, and a Master of Arts in International Affairs from the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs at Carleton University. While completing her master’s, Victoria underwent an academic exchange to the Paris School of International Affairs at Sciences Po, located in Paris, France. She is interested in international trade, humanitarian, and criminal law.
Connect with Victoria by email at victoriahinkson2024@osgoode.yorku.ca, or by Victoria Hinkson on LinkedIn!
DEJA MCKENNON (She/Her)
Deja Mckennon is a current 1L student with an Honors Bachelors and master’s degree in Philosophy. During her master’s degree, she focused on historical injustice them which lead her to law school and started her journey in helping black and indigenous people gain access to justice.
She is currently an executive at large for the Black Law Students’ Association and a 1L representative for Osgoode’s Society for Civil Litigation
Connect with Deja at dejamckennon2024@osgoode.yorku.ca.
PROMISE ADEDIJO (She/Her)
Promise Adedijo is a driven 1L student at Osgoode Hall Law School and a passionate advocate for equity and justice. She serves as an Associate Editor on the Osgoode Hall Law Journal and as a Caseworker at the Community and Legal Aid Services Program (CLASP).
Before pursuing her legal education, Promise gained valuable experience as a Junior Communications Officer at Statistics Canada and showcased her entrepreneurial spirit by founding a successful cosmetic nail business. She also co-founded the Black Future Lawyers chapter at Toronto Metropolitan University, where she earned an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree, double majoring in Criminology, and Politics & Governance.
Connect with Promise at: promiseadedijo2024@osgoode.yorku.ca.
EMILY-ROSE NJONDE (She/Her)
Emily-Rose is a first-generation law student at Osgoode Hall Law School, holding a Bachelor’s in Sociology and Social Entrepreneurship from McGill University. Passionate about justice, she grew up in a Cameroonian household where advocacy and community-building were central values. At McGill, she was VP Advocacy for both the Black Students’ Network and African Student Society, contributing to McGill’s Anti-Black Racism Action Plan and creating safe spaces for Black students. She also served as Equity Commissioner for the Arts Undergraduate Society, ensuring equitable practices at faculty events.
At Osgoode, Emily-Rose has volunteered with the FCJ Refugee Center, the Osgoode IP Innovation Clinic, and the Community Legal Aid Services Program, while also serving as IT & Communications Director for BLSA Osgoode. With a deep passion for oral advocacy, she now leads as BLSA Canada’s National Moot Director, organizing the country’s only student-run moot competition.
Connect with Emily-Rose at enjonde@yorku.ca.
DUMMIE ABDUL (He/Him)
Dummie Abdul is a current 1L in section C. He is currently an executive at large for BLSA Osgoode. Dummie Holds an Honours Bachelor’s of Arts from University of Toronto. He double Majored in Criminology and Sociolegal studies as well as Ethics, Society, & Law.
Reach out to Dummie at da02@yorku.ca.
SUCCESS OGBOE (He/Him)
Success is a dedicated 1L student and currently a BLSA executive at large. He is currently a 1L representative for Osgoode’s Civil Litigation Society. Success holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Criminology from York University.
Connect with Success at successogboe@osgoode.yorku.ca.
MACAILA RUSSELL (She/Her)
Macaila is 1L student with a strong interest in in pursuing a career in criminal law as a Crown Attorney. At the University of Manitoba, Macaila obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and French.
Committed to mentorship and community involvement, she aims to uplift the next generation through education and guidance. At Osgoode, Macaila seeks to engage in opportunities that will allow her to contribute to both the academic and professional community, including leadership roles, volunteering initiatives, and mentorship programs. In the long term, Macaila aspires not only to practice law but also to teach it at universities and law schools, sharing her knowledge and experience with future legal professionals.
Connect with Macaila at macailaa@yorku.ca
ANTHONEKE POWELL (She/Her)
Anthoneke is a dedicated 1L student and an active executive at large for BLSA Osgoode. She also serves as a Junior executive for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at the Osgoode Women’s Network and as an active member of the Christian Legal
Fellowship.
Anthoneke graduated summa cum laude with an Honours B.A. from McMaster University in Sociology, minoring in mental health, addiction and society. While at McMaster she worked extensively within the Black Student community and looks forward to working within the Black community at Osgoode.
Connect with Anthoneke at Anthonekepowell2024@osgoode.yorku.ca.
