STRATEGIC PLAN | INCLUSIVE EXCELLENCE STUDENT

‘Your presence has a purpose’: Black students learn from industry leaders

September 4, 2026 ·

Contributed by: Joanna Williams, Manager, Communications

The inaugural Black Leadership Academy took place August 14 to 16 at McMaster University.

This collaboration between the Onyx Initiative, McMaster’s Black Student Success Centre and the DeGroote School of Business brought together 31 aspiring Black leaders from across the country to learn, reflect and connect with Black leaders from a range of backgrounds and experiences.

Top left, students in discussion with Alpha Abebe, associate professor with the Faculty of Humanities at McMaster University. Top right, Kirk MacDonald, CEO of Sundial and Wayne Purboo sat down for a fireside chat on ‘Leadership, Legacy and the Power of Your Story’. Bottom centre, Clare Warner, Director for equity, inclusion and anti-racism, McMaster Student Affairs, gives opening remarks. Bottom right, Wayne Purboo and Baniyelme Zoogah, professor, Human Resources, DeGroote School of Business in discussion.

What began as an idea three years ago has turned into a pilot project focused on developing practical leadership skills, meaningful networking and an opportunity to engage with the challenges of leadership from a Black perspective.

Students in the inaugural cohort were selected based on their drive, engagement and proven leadership capabilities.

“Each of you were carefully selected to be here, meaning your presence has a purpose,” said Nigela Purboo, co-founder of the Onyx Initiative.

“Think about the leader that you are and the one that you want to become. Leadership doesn’t begin with a title or a business card or an office – leadership begins with how you show up.”

Top right, Baniyelme Zoogah, Professor and Area Chair of Human Resources and Management at the DeGroote School of Business. Bottom left, Monique Pitt, a registered social worker and a Practitioner-in-Residence at McMaster’s Wilson College of Leadership & Civic Engagement.

By nurturing leadership skills, Purboo said the Academy is supporting Black students in becoming more confident decision makers, stronger communicators, better collaborators and more thoughtful people.

“Prior to attending the Black Leadership Academy, I perceived leadership as a result of one’s accomplishments and titles,” explained DeGroote student Samy Mouktar.

“The Academy helped me reflect on who I am and who I really want to become. It was inspiring for me to see individuals that I admire succeed in life and to relate to them and their experiences.”

Top right Wayne Purboo engaging with students and bottom right, Nigela Purboo speaks to the inaugural cohort.

For Aliyah Rennie, president of the McMaster Association of Caribbean and West Indies Students, the greatest impact of the Academy was in the connections she made with other Black students.

“I don’t think I realized just how much I needed an experience like this until I was there,” she said. “Being surrounded by motivated, ambitious and passionate young leaders made me feel encouraged and reminded me of the importance of strong community.”

As the next generation of Black leaders, students were encouraged to continue nurturing the relationships they built.

“The Black Leadership Academy retreat was truly phenomenal,” said Chinazo Okereke, Black Student Career and Postgraduate Specialist at the Black Student Success Centre. “I hope participants feel well-equipped and inspired for the journey ahead, carrying with them the knowledge they have gained and the wonderful connections they have made.”

During the weekend learning session, students were reminded that there is no single way to lead. Each was encouraged to shape their own leadership journeys and to learn from everyone in the room.

Bottom right, Leo Johnson, Executive Director of Empowerment Squared.

McMaster Chancellor Nicholas Brathwaite spoke to the students virtually about the possibilities of an Academy that combines rigorous leadership development with practical, real-world insights.

“I have to admit that I’m a little bit jealous because I never had opportunities like this when I was at your age, and I’m pretty sure that if I did, things would have gone a lot easier for me,” he said.

“It is my hope that this inaugural leadership academy will not just be a one-time event but the beginning of a long-term investment in the development and realization of the leadership potential of our young people.”