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.
As a student ambassador for the Black Student Success Network (BSSN), she acts as a motivating figure for her peers, whether she’s planning and hosting events, managing social media engagement, tutoring English, or simply being available as a trusted confidant.
“I really enjoy meeting students from different cultures and being a part of their journey as they navigate life in Canada and at George Brown,” she says. “As an immigrant myself, I understand how challenging it can be without proper support systems, which motivates me to give back.”
One experience that stands out the most to her is how she supported a student who was struggling to adjust to life in Canada.
“They felt so overwhelmed that they were considering dropping out,” she says. “I listened to their concerns, helped them navigate campus resources, and checked in with them regularly so they didn’t feel alone. Over time, they became more engaged and felt supported enough to continue their studies.”
Championing Black students’ success
BSSN attracted Maduewesi because it provided a safe and welcoming space to connect with other Black students, stay informed about events, and feel connected to her roots without judgement. Her favourite part of tutoring English is facilitating speaking sessions, where she can learn about different cultures and traditions through the students she tutors, which in turn helps her connect to them and strengthen their feeling of belonging.
She’s noticed that students who get involved with BSSN feel more supported and confident.
“It gives them a space where they can be themselves, ask questions, and connect with others who understand their experiences,” she says. “Through events and everyday interactions, students feel less alone and more engaged which makes a real difference in their overall experience. BSSN really helps students feel seen, heard, and empowered in a meaningful way.”
Wangechi Mwaura, Black Student Success Support Specialist and BSSN Coordinator, confirms Maduewesi has made a real difference for students’ sense of connection and belonging at George Brown as a patient and caring figure.
“Students consistently commend her patience and care,” she says. “Watching her grow in this role has been incredible, as she continues to meet students where they are, and advocate for programming that truly resonates with their needs.”
Charting her own path
Madeuwesi immigrated to Canada from Nigeria in 2019. Since then, she’s graduated with a diploma from George Brown’s Acting for Media program, and is now in her second year of Business Administration - Finance.
She says the Acting program helped her gain strong communication and people skills, confidence, emotional intelligence, and adaptability, but she became drawn to finance for its stability and impact. Now she hopes to teach financial literacy and help make financial education more accessible to diverse communities.
“George Brown has provided strong opportunities to connect with professionals and peers in these fields, which has been incredibly valuable to my academic and professional growth,” she says.
Besides her work with BSSN and her programs, Madeuwesi is also the head of internal affairs of the George Brown Investment Club and a resident advisor at The George. Outside of school, she’s assisted with free tax clinics for Canada’s Community Volunteer Income Tax Program, stays connected to the film industry through acting and modelling, and is a nail technician and an entrepreneur.
“All of these paths allow me to create impact, tell meaningful stories, and empower others, and I see them as equally important parts of my journey,” she says.
Advice to students
When asked what advice she has for students on getting involved with George Brown or other communities, to Madeuwesi, it’s simple: start small and stay curious.
Speaking from experience, she started by attending campus events and information sessions to meet people and learn about supports available. From there, she got involved with student initiatives such as BSSN, which helped her build confidence and connections.
“Over time, those small steps led to leadership roles,” she says. “Each experience built on the last and my journey grew through consistency, curiosity, and being open to new opportunities. So attend events, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Getting involved not only helps you build connections and skills but also creates a sense of belonging and purpose.”
Learn more about the Black Student Success Network
Explore Black Futures Month programming and read more employee and student profiles
We asked Angel, what does Black Futures Month mean to you?
“Black History and Futures Month is a time for reflection, celebration, and progress. It’s about honouring the resilience, achievements, and contributions of Black communities, both past and present. For me, it’s also a chance to connect with my roots, recognize the work that still needs to be done, and celebrate the ways we can create opportunities and representation for future generations.”