Meet Our 2023-24 Steering Committee
Meet the folks that make up our Steering Committee! Our Steering Committee is mixed with elected and appointed roles. Click on the roles below to learn more.
Co-Chair (Student)
Vacant
Co-Chair (Faculty)
Vacant
Secretary
Olumoroti (Moroti) Soji-George
(he/they)
Alumnus
Olumoroti Soji-George is a curator, film theorist, writer, and educator based in Vancouver, BC. They are an active member of the SFU Black community and recently completed their MA at SFU's School for the Contemporary Arts, focusing on contemporary art studies. Olumoroti is the curator at the Black Arts Centre in Surrey, BC, and the artistic director of Gallery Gachet in downtown Vancouver. Their curatorial practice centers around exploring the diverse expressions of Blackness in art and the post-modern perspectives of Black contemporary artists. They also strive to create accessible and community-centered art spaces, challenging the Western status quo and amplifying marginalized voices. Olumoroti is interested in envisioning a police-free future and examining narratives surrounding the Black Male Body. Given his many skills and Black community experience, Olumoroti would provide great insight and leadership for our community.
Treasurer
Vacant
University Administration Relations Officer
Oromyia Ali
(she/her)
Undergraduate Student
Oromyia is a friendly and dedicated community member. She is currently the External Relations Officer of "SFU Student of Caribbean and African Ancestry" (SOCA), a group providing events, advocacy and services for Black students for decades. SFU has benefitted from Oromiya's leadership and kindness and hopes to bring her perspective to Black Caucus.
External Universities and Black Community Relations Officer
Tiara Cash
(she/they)
Graduate Student
Tiara A Cash, MS, MA, MCMA is a PhD student, 2022 Vanier Scholar, and 2023 Dean’s Convocation Medalist at Simon Fraser University where she works with Dr. Lara Aknin in the Helping and Happiness Lab on intersections of life transitions, prosocial behaviors, and well-being. In addition to being a graduate student and researching in the lab, she owns an organization focused on mindfulness, meta-awareness, and meaning (Crowned Vitta LLC) where she conducts presentations, workshops, and consultations through an emerging framework: Equitable Mindfulness. Her career interests include working with traditionally underrepresented and underserved populations within western systems and researching life transitions. She is a Black American woman with Indigenous linages (Mississippi Choctaw & Cherokee descendant), and a former student-athlete who holds a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise and Wellness from Arizona State University and two Masters degrees, one from Western Illinois University in Kinesiology (dual concentration in Sports Psychology and Fitness/Wellness Management) and one in Psychology from Simon Fraser University. During the 2023-2024 school year she will serve as an SFU Diversity Council member and hopes to be your External Universities and Black Community Relations Officer, while continuing to support equity seeking groups on campus.
Actions, Solidarity, and Social Justice Officer
Clemance Bisamu
(she/her)
Undergraduate Student
My name is Clemance Bisamu, a dedicated 4-year Health Science student with a resolute aspiration to foster a more inclusive world where racial harmony thrives, unburdened by prejudice and discrimination. Coming from Africa, my journey to this point has been facilitated by the World University Service of Canada (WUSC), igniting within me an unwavering determination to collaborate with and uplift the black community. My commitment is rooted in the conviction that it is imperative to transcend the confines of societal barriers, offering inspiration and motivation to empower individuals within diverse backgrounds. This vision closely aligns with the principles and aspirations of the Black Caucus, an organization whose ideals I deeply resonate with.
In my pursuit of the role of Actions, Solidarity, and Social Justice Officer, I draw upon a wealth of experience garnered through meaningful interactions with black individuals spanning various geographies. Yet, my dedication extends far beyond mere practical familiarity; it is fueled by an innate passion to drive positive change. In this role, I envision leveraging my insights, knowledge, and unwavering enthusiasm to advocate for equitable opportunities, dismantle systemic inequities, and cultivate an environment where social justice thrives. I anticipate the prospect of contributing my skills and passion to the noble cause championed by the Black Caucus. Together, let us embark on a journey towards a brighter future, where unity and equality are the cornerstones of our shared existence.
Academics, Research and Mentorship Officer
Vacant
Media Relations Officers
Oromyia Ali
(she/her)
Undergraduate Student
Oromyia is a friendly and dedicated community member. She is currently the External Relations Officer of "SFU Student of Caribbean and African Ancestry" (SOCA), a group providing events, advocacy and services for Black students for decades. SFU has benefitted from Oromiya's leadership and kindness and hopes to bring her perspective to Black Caucus.
Ashley Schultheiss
(she/her)
Staff & Alumnus
Ashley is a Communications and Sociology alumnus from SFU currently working at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences as a communicator. Proud of her mixed Mauritian and German heritage, Ashley is a member of the Black and Mixed Vancouver group. She has also served as a member on the Black Caucus nominating committee for its inaugural election. Ashley is excited to be involved in Black Caucus as she has been yearning for Black community ever since moving to Vancouver.
Representatives
- Alumni: Ayan Ismail and Natasha Mhuriro
- Faculty: Joel Akinwumi (Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences)
- SOCA: Yaye Balde
- Staff: Ashley Schultheiss (Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences)