The University of Windsor is launching a talent incubator called The CUBE, with the aim of empowering Indigenous and Black students in their academic careers.
Historically, Indigenous and Black students have faced significant challenges in accessing adequate support and representation in the academic and professional spheres.
As an initiative of the Office of the Vice President, People, Equity, and Inclusion, The CUBE hopes to address this disparity by fostering an environment of growth and providing resources, opportunities, and support to help students excel.
The program will include workshops, mentorship, networking opportunities, financial assistance, career guidance, and more.
The program is under the leadership of Director Kemi Anazodo, an Assistant Professor in the Odette School of Business.
The CUBE team also includes special advisors Jaimie Kechego, a learning specialist for Indigenization in the Centre for Teaching and Learning, and Richard Douglass-Chin, a professor in the departments of English and Women's and Gender Studies.
"At this stage, as we build The CUBE community, we would like to encourage Indigenous and Black students to self-identify and sign up for the CUBE to gain access to upcoming information and resources,” Dr. Anazodo said. “We would also like to recruit members of the wider University community including faculty, staff, alumni, and community members who would like to identify and support Indigenous and Black students at the undergraduate and graduate levels.”
One of the primary objectives of The CUBE is to enhance the presence of Indigenous and Black scholars' perspectives in academic literature and faculty representation.