Excellence is Black (EIB) conference is an opportunity to strengthen our network across post-graduate and professional programs at the University of Toronto as well as the external community. It also serves as a fundraiser for the Excellence is Black award, given to Black graduate and undergraduate students based on financial need and a commitment to community leadership or contributions to the Black community. To date, 8 awards have been granted.
2025 THEME
/
Empowering Entrepreneurs: Pioneering Business Success in Canada
DATE & TIME:
March 14th, 2025
3pm – 7pm EST
VENUE:
Desautels Hall,
Rotman School of Management,
105 St George Str. Toronto
Workshops
Panel
Session
Networking
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Melisa Ellis
Melisa Ellis, a University of Toronto Scarborough alumna, launched an endowment fund to support Black innovators. As founder of Nobellum, she has coached 100+ startups, built a 5,000-member community, and connected founders to $500M+ in VC funding. A recognized leader, she drives sustainable business growth and innovation.
Workshop
Facilitators
Ehi Agbonlahor
Ehi Agbonlahor, founder of Anutio and leader of Be Future Ready, has experience at TD Bank and teaches innovation at the University of Toronto. She holds an MBA from Rotman and works as a Product Manager at TD.
Chidozie Ojobor
Chidozie Ojobor, PhD, is a scientist and entrepreneur specializing in bacterial genetics. He co-founded Vitract, focusing on gut microbiome technology and precision nutrition, and is dedicated to combating antibiotic resistance and advancing precision medicine.
Sabaa Quao
Sabaa Quao, President of PlusCo Venture Studio and former Chief Creative and Innovation Officer at Cossette, specializes in creativity, entrepreneurship, and business model innovation. He has worked with teams globally and serves on various industry boards, including Cannes Lions.
Workshops
Harnessing Creativity: A Workshop on Brainstorming Excellence
Facilitated by Sabaa Quao, this session aims to guide participants through the ideation stage, feasibility assessment, market research, and surveys of creating a business. The goal is to help attendees generate innovative business ideas that solve real-world problems, leveraging the speaker's diverse experience.
The Power of Your Network: Turning Connections into Opportunities
In this workshop, Ehi Agbolanhor will focus on building a brand through networking, leveraging connections to scale a business, and turning networks into cash flow. She aims to help attendees understand the power of networking for business growth.
From Vision to Reality: Launching Your Business Venture
Chidozie Ojobor will cover the factors involved in registering a business, key stakeholders, and the legal, accounting, and tax implications. The session aims to provide potential entrepreneurs with insights on setting up a business, drawing from his experience in establishing a cross-border enterprise.
Panelists
Kareem
Abdur-Rashid
Kareem Abdur-Rashid, a University of Toronto graduate, co-founded Kare Chemical Technologies and holds global patents in cannabinoid medicines and hydrogen storage.
Marilyn
Raphael
Marilyn, a TD Bank Senior Manager, co-founded ICON Talent Partners to develop BIPOC leaders. A Brampton Top 40 Under 40 honoree, she holds an MPH and MBA.
Mo’
Ekujumi
Mo’ Ekujumi, SkillHat Founder & CEO, is a tech executive with 10+ years’ experience, training 1,000+ professionals through his award-winning e-learning bootcamp, valued at $4 million.
Efosa
Obano
Efosa Obano started the Black Founders Network (BFN) and African Impact Initiative (AII), which support Black and African innovators with capital, community, and capacity building. He has experience with creating scalable economic impact for marginalized communities, using technology and capital. He has been recognized by the UN and Dell for his transformative work. He is also driven by a desire to help God solve problems & spread the love of Jesus through his life.
Previous Scholarship Recipients
Anaïs Ouedraogo
Year of Study: First year, MHSc (Health Administration), Dana Lana School of Public Health
“I decided to apply for the EIB award because I felt that it reflected a lot of the attributes and values I embodied throughout my undergraduate studies – a commitment to working within the Black community, battling anti-racism in my field (healthcare), and being an advocate for my peers. ”
Tala Lumbu
Year of Study: Second year, MHSc, Masters in Translational Health Research at the Temerty School of Medicine
“I applied for the Excellence in Black Award to address a financial need that would allow me to continue my studies and complete my degree. Beyond financial support, I was particularly drawn to the award’s unique eligibility requirement: demonstrating a commitment to community leadership in advancing social equity and/or making outstanding contributions to the Black community.”
Timeline & Events
15:00 – 15:05: Opening remarks
15:05 – 15:20: Keynote speaker
15:30 – 16:30: Panel session with Q&A
16:45 – 17:45: Workshops
18:00 – 18:05: Vote of thanks
18:05 – 19:00: Networking/Reception
For & By Black Students at UofT. In partnership with:
