This article is part of a series celebrating students, staff, faculty or alumni who demonstrate a commitment to advancing equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) on campus or in ways that meaningfully connect back to the Brock community. To read other EDI Changemaker features or learn more about the series, visit The Brock News or the Office of Human Rights and Equity website.

Brock University student Ivie Omoregie is passionate about moving equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) beyond policy to create systemic changes that impact her community.

In her roles as the President of Brock’s Black Student Association (BLSA), the founder of the Black Nursing Students Association (BNSA) and a Peer Assistant at the Black Student Success Centre (BSSC), the fourth-year Nursing student says she aims to creates spaces where people feel seen, valued and supported.

“EDI, to me, means advocating for representation, equity in opportunity and culturally safe spaces where Black students can show up as their full selves without feeling the need to shrink or prove their worth,” said Omoregie. “It’s about addressing systemic barriers while also building community, mentorship and meaningful pathways for success.”

Omoregie helped organize the Welcome Bash in September and the Community Bash in early February as part of Black History Month/African Heritage Month, for example, bringing together hundreds of students to celebrate Black joy and build community through music, food and shared experiences.

“These kind of events provide visibility so Black students know there is a community here they can be a part of,” she said. “It’s about creating safe spaces for Black students to connect and unwind together while empowering them to take on leadership roles that can support change.”

Omoregie has also created spaces for representation and connection where they didn’t previously exist, such as founding the BNSA last year.

“Creating this club gives Black nursing students an opportunity to voice their concerns around experiences of discrimination or microaggressions with other students who can relate to how they feel, advocate for them and support them,” she said. “The BNSA also highlights opportunities for Black nursing students because there’s scholarships and resources that they may not be aware of or are unsure of how to access.”

Omoregie was inspired to step out of her comfort zone and pursue leadership opportunities at Brock by recent graduate Jason Ineh (BBA ’24), who co-founded and served as president of the BLSA.

“Because he saw the potential in me and encouraged me, that’s why I am where I am now,” she said. “He encourages people to speak out about their concerns and lets them know their voice matters — and has inspired me to do the same.”

Monique Beauregard, Manager, Black Student Success Centre (BSSC) has seen the impact of Omoregie’s engagement on campus firsthand. She cites her work in mentoring students for the BSSC’s Future Black Leaders Mentorship program and supporting the associated Future Black Leaders Academic Conference by hosting a breakout session about leadership as examples of her campus impact.

“I’ve seen Ivie grow as a leader on campus for the past two years and she supports and assists her peers with their goals in a way that keeps inclusivity at the forefront,” said Beauregard. “I’m honoured to be a part of team where leaders like Ivie not only flourish but mentor others to do the same.”

While it took her by surprise, Omoregie said receiving recognition for her work is deeply meaningful.

“It means that what I’m doing is not going unnoticed, and that it’s not for nothing because it’s making real change,” she said. “I want to continue making that change going into my career in medicine and am hopeful that when new people take over for me at Brock, I’ve blazed a trail that will support them in growing into great leaders that will also inspire others in the future.”