Meet our Team
The Black Youth Mentorship and Leadership Program was founded and is led by Dr. Bukola Salami, a Professor in the Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary.
A message from the Program Lead:
Welcome to the Black Youth Mentorship and Leadership Program.
Around 26 years ago, I was in high school and completed a mentorship program at the University of Toronto that helped to pave the way for my professional success. It made me realize there are many Black people who are succeeding and many brilliant Black youths. It helped affirm my commitment to succeed and provided me with great tools for success. I hope that you will also look back 20 years from now and appreciate the benefit of attending our mentorship program. Over the summer, you will improve your leadership skills and be better prepared for undergraduate and/or graduate studies as well as your future professional careers. Black professors and allies are here to support you and ensure you reach your highest potential. We understand some of the challenges you face and want to see you succeed. We have Black professionals, Black community leaders, and graduate students to support you on this journey. I encourage you to conduct yourself in a professional manner throughout.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the mentors, professors, Advisory Committee members, graduate students, and support personnel who have volunteered to support the design and delivery of this program. Please contact me or the Program Coordinator at bymlp@ucalgary.ca if you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions. Once again, I look forward to supporting your learning and leadership development through our program.
Professor Bukola Salami, RN, MN, PhD
Faculty
The faculty members involved in the Black Youth Mentorship and Leadership Program are renowned researchers and professors, each contributing expertise from diverse disciplines and backgrounds.
Committees
The Black Youth Mentorship and Leadership Program follows the governance structure below:
The Steering Committee, comprised of university faculty members, project partners, and the Program Lead, offers diligent oversight to ensure the program aligns with its intended goals. By providing strategic guidance and leadership, the Steering Committee facilitates the enhancement of economic outcomes, community integration, and leadership abilities, while also nurturing a strong cultural identity for Black youth. Its collaborative approach allows for informed decision-making regarding major program adjustments, alongside advising on key performance metrics and budget allocations.
The Advisory Committee is a dynamic coalition comprising community leaders, students, parents, youths, and educators. The Advisory Committee informs the strategic direction and leadership of the BYMLP and ensures alignment with the program objectives of enhancing economic outcomes, fostering community integration, and nurturing leadership skills and cultural identity among Black youth. The Advisory Committee plays a pivotal role in organizing significant events, facilitating workshops, and actively supporting the BYMLP to realize its overarching goals.
The Admissions Committee is a diverse team consisting of faculty members, students, community leaders, youths, educators, partners, and the Program Lead. The Admissions Committee oversees selection of the most suitable candidates for admission into the program.
The Community Engagement Committee is a collaborative team dedicated to cultivating and promoting positive awareness of the Program. Comprised of Faculty members, Students, Community leaders, Youths, Educators, Partners, and the Program Lead, its mandate involves proposing recommendations for approval by the Steering Committee to establish a cohesive and inclusive community engagement strategy.
The Community Engagement Committee is a collaborative team dedicated to cultivating and promoting positive awareness of the program. Comprised of faculty members, students, community leaders, youths, educators, partners, and the Program Lead, its mandate involves proposing recommendations for approval by the Steering Committee to establish a cohesive and inclusive community engagement strategy.