Seven Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) community members have been recognized with Black Excellence Awards for making a meaningful difference at KPU and beyond.
“This year marks the first time we are presenting these awards, making it a special moment for our community. Our goal through these awards is to recognize and celebrate Black students, alumni and employees who demonstrate exceptional leadership, commitment and impact at KPU and beyond,” says Dr. Asma Sayed, Vice-President, Equity and Inclusive Communities at KPU.
From advocacy and mentorship to cultural celebration and community engagement, the award-winners have all demonstrated commitment, leadership and impact that support student success, advance racial justice, strengthen community wellbeing, challenge systemic barriers or celebrate the culture and identity of people of African descent.
The inaugural awards were presented March 23 by the Office of Equity and Inclusive Communities (OEIC) during the annual Anti-Racism Symposium at KPU Surrey.
“Through these awards, KPU seeks to uplift the voices, labour and legacies of Black community members and support the ongoing work of racial justice and Black liberation across all areas of university life,” says Zahra Mohamud, Advisor, Anti-Racism and Anti-Oppression, OEIC.
The Black Excellence Awards align with KPU’s commitments under the Scarborough Charter on Anti-Black Racism and Black Inclusion in Canadian Higher Education. The charter calls on institutions to acknowledge “the galvanizing role that generations of Black students have played in redressing anti-Black racism, decolonizing curricular offerings and representing Black traditions of excellence” and “recognizing that redressing anti-Black racism and supporting Black inclusion, in its fulness and with careful attention to intersectionality, are crucial to promoting equality and an inclusive higher education for all.”
Sasha Austin-Seade, Student, Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology, minors in Indigenous Community Justice and Counselling
Austin-Seade exemplifies exceptional leadership in advancing justice both within the university and in the broader community. She has demonstrated outstanding academic achievement through courses such as the Inside-Out Prison Exchange program, where she excelled both as a student and as a learning assistant, and is now contributing as a student assistant on a Pathways to Reciprocity grant project to Indigenize the program.
Austin-Seade has also dedicated much time to the non-profit sector, and has conducted research on social justice issues, such as the experiences of incarcerated Indigenous mothers.
“For me, receiving this award is an opportunity to celebrate how far I have come and all that I've accomplished. It is a recognition of the hurdles and obstacles that I've had to navigate along my journey and of the amazing community of family and friends that constantly support me in all that I do,” she says.
“It is also a reminder for me to continue to support and invest in others, whether that is through community or academic work.”
Jordan Gatare, second-year Business Administration Student, Melville School of Business at KPU
Gatare has demonstrated exceptional peer leadership through his role as vice-president of Students of Caribbean and African Heritage. The student club organizes cultural events that celebrate African and Caribbean heritage, and aims to create vibrant spaces where students can connect, share and feel represented.
Gatare is also a contributing member of the Kwantlen Student Association, where he advocates for student initiatives and strengthens connections among Black students. He demonstrates academic excellence and cultural pride, producing thoughtful work that reflects his East African heritage.
Natasha Campbell, Instructor, Foundations in Design at KPU Wilson School of Design
Campbell creates culturally-affirming learning spaces grounded in belonging and lived experience. From her work with the FIND Squamish First Nation cohort to her leadership across Wilson School of Design and Melville School of Business, she helps uplift marginalized voices and is committed to equity and accessibility in the classroom.
Through the Including All Citizens Pathway program, she has helped transform teaching practices through inclusive, disability-justice-informed pedagogy, creating classrooms where students feel seen, supported and empowered to share their lived experiences. Beyond the classroom, Natasha leads initiatives such as pitch competitions and leadership panels to intentionally build collaboration across faculties, alumni and communities.
KPU students Oluwatobiloba (Tobi) Oluwole, Tochukwu (Karl) Ibezim, Darryl Opoku-Nti, Osinachi (Osy) Ezeanya
These students study across several programs at KPU, including Computer Information Systems, Information Technology and Psychology. In summer 2025, each volunteered over 40 hours with Little Soccer Stars Club, a non-profit supporting newly-arrived immigrant and refugee youth in Surrey. Week after week, even in extreme heat, they arrived prepared, set up training stations, mentored participants in skill development, refereed games and served as positive role models — all without expectation of recognition.
“It honestly feels amazing to receive such an award and it pushes me to live up to a higher standard,” says Ezeanya. “I remember the penalty shootouts we had with the kids. It was a very fun and heartwarming experience. From then on, I realized that we should try to recreate this experience in our interactions with everyone.”
The students’ dedication went far beyond teaching soccer. They created a safe and welcoming space where young people could learn, grow and feel a sense of belonging — demonstrating how volunteering with heart can help others feel supported and included.
Ibezim says Little Soccer Stars showed him that his volunteer work, no matter how small, is making a difference. During the program, he remembers taking the time to help a player who didn’t feel confident playing with the rest of the group.
“Over time, I saw their confidence grow. I had a similar situation growing up as a footballer so I could relate. Eventually he started participating more, smiling and enjoying the game with everyone else. Seeing that change reminded me that sometimes impact isn’t about big achievements; it’s about supporting people and helping them believe in themselves,” says Ibezim.
Opoku-Nti saw the importance of Little Soccer Stars at the beginning of each session, when players were excited to kick things off.
“I am greatly excited to win this award. It helps show that the difference I make in people’s lives are appreciated and that I should strive to keep making a difference,” says Opoku-Nti.
