Celebrating Black History Month
February 2022 – February is Black History Month and we are proud to highlight a few of our outstanding scholars. Each of them made an incredible journey to Canada to advance their academics, pursue meaningful work, and challenge themselves personally.
Charles Mungwakuzwe
Charles Mungwakuzwe (MLWS 2017)
Civil engineer (Engineer-In-Training)
Allnorth Consultant Ltd, Calgary, AB
(birthplace: Rwanda)
Why did you chose to study in UBC’s Master of Land and Water Systems program?
I chose UBC because it is a world class University and mainly because of the Master of Land and Water Systems program that brings together multidisciplinary professionals, I wanted to acquire sufficient knowledge to address environmental issues that could be applied in the built environment.
What do you find the most challenging about the work that you do?
Currently, there are numerous uncertainties caused by the changing climate, and the cost of adaptation or mitigation is getting higher which creates challenges for designing and building sustainable communities especially for low-income people.
Did you have a role model, or would you describe yourself as a trailblazer?
I had a unique childhood (in Rwanda) with great responsibilities at a very young age, from that I learned how to set my personal and professional goals by utilising my strength to overcome my fears.
What piece of advice would you have found useful when you were younger?
I took full advantage of all the opportunities and advice that have been available to me, probably things could have been better if there had been peace and harmony in the country when I was young.
What have you been most proud of so far in your academic journey or career?
I am very proud of my personal success; in 2016 I left everything behind including friends, and family to attend UBC in a city where I didn’t know anyone. Today, I have a degree from a world class university, a career and most importantly I am a father despite all the challenges caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Tebby Leepile
Tebby Leepile
PhD Candidate in Integrated Studies in Land and Food Systems
(birthplace: Botswana)
Did you have a role model, or would you describe yourself as a trailblazer?
It takes a village to raise a child! I humbly stand on the shoulders of many incredible individuals whose sacrifices, experiences, and contributions continue to shape my life and career trajectories. One of my role models is Professor M.S Nnyepi, a human nutrition expert and researcher at the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, University of Botswana. Her selflessness, diligence, and commitment to tackling nutrition health and education issues in Botswana benefits many and greatly inspire me. A special fountain of wisdom that I am fortunate enough to continue to draw from!
What do you hope to achieve in your career?
I am committed to disrupting structural barriers and reducing inequities in food and health systems by creating responsive and evidence-based programs and policies. I believe we all have a responsibility towards the underserved, underrepresented, and marginalized populations in our societies.
What piece of advice would you have found useful when you were younger?
Never be afraid to try because of the probability of failure! Failure builds character and fuels creativity, growth, and success; it always creates a rare opportunity to reflect, learn, and try again.
What have you been most proud of so far in your academic journey or career?
Generally, my growth both as a researcher and a person has been a pleasant surprise and delight. Sustaining an unquenchable zest for learning and being open-minded, resilient, and passionate are some of the keys that propel my progress.
Uche Enwerem
Uchechukwu (Uche) Enwerem (MFS 2020)
Food Safety and Quality Assurance Specialist
Farm Boy Inc., Mississauga, Ontario
(birthplace: Nigeria)
Why did you chose to come to UBC and study in the Master of Food Science program?
I knew the opportunity to study in my area of interest at a top university, and live in a multi-cultural city would help me come out of my shell and make me a whole person. I have an undergraduate biochemistry degree and had been working at a food company in Nigeria before coming to Canada. Personally, I had also seen many instances of my own family in Nigeria being hospitalized because of food poisoning, and I know the standards in Canada are very high.
Did you have a role model or would you describe yourself as a trailblazer?
My older brother was my role model – he went to university while I was in secondary school and he was a first-class student. Back then, I wrote a diary about what I wanted to achieve and, like him, I wanted to be first-class student in university. Also, I want to make sure I leave a footprint every place that I find myself. In the MFS program, I graduated with the highest GPA and earned an exit scholarship.
What do you hope to achieve in your career?
Once I have more experience in the food production industry in Canada, I would eventually like to go back to Nigeria and improve the food supply chain. I want to create and implement policies to raise the safety standards in food production.
What piece of advice would you have found useful when you were younger?
When I was young, I had difficulty in school – I was not a good student. My dad believed in me and always told me that if I put my mind into it, I can be successful. If I went back, I would trust myself more and put my mind into things and give it my best. When things are difficult and you give up, you are robbing yourself of reaching your full potential.
What do you see as the greatest obstacle or challenge in your future career?
I am very driven in my career and I also love my family. My challenge is making sure that one part of my life doesn’t suffer because of the other part. I want to try to balance my family and my career, which I know will be hard.