STRATEGIC PLAN | INCLUSIVE EXCELLENCE STUDENT STUDENT CLUB
Finding my voice through advocacy
February 23, 2026 ·
Contributed by: Wadh-Ha Mutabazi, Level III IBH student and VP of Advocacy, DeGroote Commerce Society
Advocacy to me is about giving a voice to those who don’t have one, and in the current societal context, it’s a topic that has never been more important.
Growing up as a Black Muslim student in the Canadian school system showed me just how important advocacy is and how big of a role it plays in shaping the self-confidence, sense of belonging and ability of students to reach their full potential. When asking to be heard, it can be hard to meet with dismissal and misunderstanding. I, like many other BIPOC students, would find myself looking for people who understood my experience – the experience of holding multiple identities and trying to fit into a space that didn’t feel like it was designed for me. Feeling as though I didn’t have a loud enough voice to say what I needed to say further showed me the importance of advocacy and building inclusive spaces.
One thing I am incredibly grateful for has been the opportunity to serve as the vice president of Advocacy on the DeGroote Commerce Society this year. The chance to engage with, learn from and celebrate different cultures and identities at DeGroote has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my undergraduate career. There are so many different student groups at DeGroote that focus on supporting and highlighting people from underrepresented groups, and witnessing their impact inspires me to try and leave a lasting impact of my own and serve as a supportive voice for other Black students. Being in the rooms where decisions are made and advocating for these communities at DeGroote gives me a unique sense of privilege.
It’s incredibly rewarding to listen in on the different perspectives and lived experiences of others, and work together to put measures in place to support people of diverse backgrounds and identities.
It sometimes feels impossible to enact change, as though every force out there is trying to stop us from doing so. This role and the experiences I’ve had within it have shown me that it all starts with listening, learning and having the courage to speak up. It’s shown me that collaboration amplifies our impact, and that even a single action or comment can make a meaningful difference.
I came to DeGroote looking for community, and what I found was much more than that. I feel confident in saying that it is a place where intersectionality and diverse perspectives are valued, and where I know that my voice and other voices matter. It is thanks to the student leaders at DeGroote who consistently show up and show their support and allyship for others that I know true inclusion and equity are not impossible goals.
To other Black-identifying students at DeGroote: don’t ever, for one second, think this is a place in which you don’t belong. It can be difficult to enter a room and not see many people who look like you. Imposter syndrome is real. But know that you have every right to stand in these rooms and to take up space.
Advocating for yourself and others isn’t always easy. Don’t make yourself quieter or smaller for the sake of making others comfortable. Be the most bold, resilient and authentic version of yourself, and know that there are spaces and opportunities waiting for you to embrace them.
