Updated: Sun, 02/16/2025 - 18:42

Due to the current storm, McGill teaching and work should be undertaken remotely for Monday, February 17. Please see your McGill email for more information.


En raison de la tempête, l'enseignement et le travail à McGill devraient être effectués à distance pour le lundi 17 février. Veuillez consulter votre courriel de McGill pour plus d'informations.

Connections with community bring support and growth

‘Our goal is to make sure Black students on campus feel secure, like they belong, that they’re in the right place’

Orlane Donkpêgan is a third-year Honours student in International Development. She is serving as the VP Finance for the Black Students Network (BSN) for a second year, having originally joined the group as a First Year Representative. She was born and raised in Montreal.

Nigel Odhiambo Ojuang is a third-year Computer Science and Biology student and VP External for the McGill African Students’ Society (MASS). Born in Nairobi, Kenya, he has called Montreal home for almost a decade. 

In our chat, they reflected on their time at McGill and offered advice to future students.  

Why did you decide to get involved in Black student groups on campus? 

Orlane Donkpêgan, VP Finance for the Black Students Network (BSN)
Orlane Donkpêgan, VP Finance for the Black Students Network (BSN)
Orlane: Connecting with people who look like me was a big priority when I got to McGill, and I thought this was the best way to put myself out there. I chose to attend events that were specifically for Black or African students, especially since I have ties to Benin. I grew up in a really supportive environment with a group of friends who are very invested in what I’m doing at BSN, even if I’m the only Black person in that group. Now that I'm almost done at McGill, I know that some of the people I'll keep in closest contact with are the friends I made being a part of BSN.

Nigel: Up until very recently, school for me was always about academics and sports. When I first got to McGill, I noticed there were a lot of events going on, so I figured I’d join one hosted by MASS, out of curiosity. I got to speak with the previous president, who was very open and friendly, and I met other Kenyans, which was a big deal because there aren’t many of us in Montreal. Over the years I got really involved with the club and figured that since I hadn’t seen other Kenyan execs on the board, joining would be a good opportunity to add yet another African culture to the mix.  

You both hold executive positions in your respective student groups. What does membership in these groups offer?

Orlane: BSN is a service that offers resources specifically for Black students. Our goal is to make sure Black students on campus feel secure, like they belong, that they’re in the right place. Our events mirror what the University offers undergrads, like seminars about entering the workforce, but tailoring events specifically to Black students makes us feel that we have more reach, on campus and beyond. Events where we meet Black professionals and hear from them directly have been invaluable. They understand our journeys and want to help us succeed, and it’s great to get their perspectives on life beyond academics. BSN allows students to build a network and connect with other Black students and staff while on campus, but it also extends beyond McGill and beyond your time at McGill.  

Nigel Odhiambo Ojuang, VP External for the McGill African Students’ Society (MASS)
Nigel Odhiambo Ojuang, VP External for the McGill African Students’ Society (MASS)
Nigel: MASS is made up mostly of Sub-Saharan African students. Our goal is to showcase Sub-Saharan African cultures, and we often collaborate with other student groups to put on events that highlight different aspects of our respective heritages. Although serving the African community is important, at the end of the day our door is open to anyone who’s genuinely interested in learning more, from sampling different foods to attending conferences on topics relevant to the African continent, like “Africa Speaks.” Our main goal is to showcase diverse African cultures and celebrate Black excellence on campus. 

What is your biggest takeaway from your time at BSN and MASS?

Orlane: There’s really no other way for me to say this, so I’ll just say it: being at McGill and part of BSN has made me feel Blacker than ever because so many of the people I’m interacting with on a daily basis are Black. Because I was so used to being the only POC, it was refreshing to see that McGill provided me with the space to explore and embrace facets of my identity as a Black woman that I had never had the opportunity to explore before. Even if there still might be instances where I might be the only woman of colour, I can feel I’m being appreciated, empowered and respected for who I am and what I contribute. The confidence I have gained from being in an environment where community building was an integral part of my university experience is invaluable. No matter what, I know there are other Black students and staff on campus I can turn to if I need to.

Nigel: For me, I learned the importance of networking; not just within our community, but with other communities as well. I learned that it’s important to communicate and create ties with other groups and people. During my time as VP External, I had navigated issues between groups and was able to collaborate on really great events with other communities. Gaining these interpersonal skills has been an important life lesson. 

Do you have any advice for Black students who are thinking of studying at McGill?

Orlane: There’s a lot of opportunity for growth. You’ll be in spaces where people want your opinion because you’re a minority and they want to understand your experiences. There’s a genuine effort on campus to make us feel like we’re making a difference, and that there are dedicated spaces for minorities. It’s not just a marketing thing. 

Nigel: There definitely are schools that have larger Black student populations, but what I really like about McGill is how inclusive all the different clubs are, regardless of your ethnicity. I’ve attended a lot of events for different clubs, and those have been some of my favourite experiences. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there! 

Back to top