George Brown Polytechnic is located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and other Indigenous peoples who have lived here over time. We are grateful to share this land as treaty people who learn, work and live in the community with each other.
Before Benjamin Abebe ever set foot in a classroom at George Brown Polytechnic, he was already shaping its community. What began as casual campus visits and part-time work quickly evolved into a journey defined by leadership, representation, and a commitment to opening doors for others. Today, his story reflects where he’s been and the momentum he continues to build for future learners.
Finding his place at George Brown
Benjamin’s connection to George Brown began before he became a student. He spent time on campus visiting friends, volunteering with startGBC, and working out at the Athletic Centre—experiences that gave him an early glimpse into the community's vibrancy and energy.
Looking back, he says the path feels almost inevitable. “I was always aware of George Brown… it all kind of aligns when I look back,” he reflects. The downtown location, the pulse of student life, and the sense of belonging all drew him in.
In 2016, he enrolled in the Sport & Event Marketing postgraduate program to expand his professional network. Even before his classes began, he was already immersed in campus life—joining the Student Association’s events team. This early involvement helped him transition into student life and laid the foundation for everything that followed.
A student leader who built community
During his time as a student, Benjamin immersed himself in campus life. His work with the Student Association connected him with departments across the institution and gave him insight into student needs.
He didn’t stop there. Seeing a gap, he helped launch a student club to bring together Black, African, and Caribbean students across campuses. “A lot of times students would feel like the problems they were going through were isolated… but when you brought them together, you realized many were experiencing the same things.”
Benjamin also became involved with the Black Student Support Network (BSSN). Supporting Black students through connection, conversation, and access to resources became a cornerstone of his campus involvement—one he has carried forward into his professional life.
Continuing the work
Today, Benjamin helps facilitate BSSN’s Men’s Talking Group, a new space created to support young Black male students through honest conversations, mentorship, and community.
The initiative was sparked by longtime staff leader Deliah Jackson, someone Benjamin describes as impossible to turn down: “It was really hard for me to say no to her… but once I thought about it, I could see how this could really help. Understanding the value it brings, for me it was a no-brainer.”
He believes representation and access are key to supporting young Black men in post-secondary spaces. “People get intimidated by certain destinations… but they don’t see the steps along the way. Momentum helps you on that journey.”
Looking ahead, he hopes to build stronger mentorship connections—especially for students aspiring toward STEM fields.
Helping others begin their journey
Benjamin now works on George Brown’s Domestic Recruitment team, bringing his community-first mindset to every aspect of his role. While traditional recruitment remains part of his work, he’s expanding pathways for groups often underrepresented in post-secondary education, including newcomers, marginalized communities, adults seeking a second career, and learners pursuing opportunities in STEM. This direction is encouraged and supported by the Domestic Recruitment and Entry Advising Manager, Olena Shklar.
He also serves on the Program Advisory Committee for the Transition to Post-Secondary Education (TPE) program, a role he says he takes great pride in.
“I get to learn so much about different communities and how to better communicate the value of our programs.”
Outside of work, Benjamin continues to give back—working with small businesses, supporting community projects, and nurturing wellness through his weekly run club.
Black Futures: Honouring the past, building what comes next
For Benjamin, Black Futures Month is about both acknowledgment and forward momentum.
“Black History is about recognizing deep roots… Black Futures is moving the conversation forward—not just focusing on the past but on what’s happening now and the aspirations we have for the future.”
When asked what gives him hope for Black students and staff at George Brown, he points to the community’s openness and adaptability. “Black Futures Initiatives are always willing to take feedback and implement things… their willingness to get together and support each other gives me hope.”
His advice to current Black students speaks to his own journey: “Explore. Have an open mind. You don’t know what you don’t know—and the title of being a student opens so many doors.”
From a student seeking connection to a staff member building pathways for future learners, Benjamin Abebe embodies the essence of Black Futures Month: honouring legacy, empowering community, and building momentum for what’s possible.
Explore the full lineup of Black Futures Month events and read more employee and student profiles
