Leadership can sometimes be a tricky word to define. For some, leadership is the title you hold, the authority you have as a manager, president or CEO. For others, the true meaning of leadership is all about being of service to others.
For third-year UCalgary science student Douye Igoniderigha, leadership is all about creating meaningful change in your community, no matter how big or small that may be. Douye has become a rising star in the university community by helping to support new students as an Orientation leader, and in the Calgary community as a Sunday school teacher.
But it’s not just the local community who are recognizing his amazing work: Igoniderigha has just been named a 3M National Student Fellow (3MNSF). Every year, the award honours a small cohort of undergraduate students from Canadian post-secondary institutions who have exemplified outstanding leadership in their communities and at school.
Out of a group of close to 1.1 million undergraduate students in Canada, the fellowship is awarded to just 10 students, making it one of the biggest awards for students in leadership.
“As part of my fellowship, I received a certificate and recognition at the annual Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education conference in Niagara Falls, Ont. and a $2,000 award,” says Igoniderigha. “As a cohort we receive $15,000 to work on a year-long project related to post-secondary education in Canada.”
Encouraged by voices in our community
Igoniderigha was inspired to apply for the award by the very same community of new students he has welcomed to UCalgary.
“Witnessing these students, who are often migrating from numerous places, and seeing them connect with a supportive community has been so fulfilling to me,” explains Igoniderigha. “Before applying to the 3MNSF award, there was a voice that lingered in my head saying I wasn’t qualified for a national honour; however, I am so grateful for the encouragement of the voices in my community.”
Actively involved in the African Studies Task Force at UCalgary where he develops career and networking events for Black students, Igoniderigha is also responsible for applying and receiving the IDEAS Fund. This fund gives financial support to eligible science students, so that they can take part in professional development and experimental learning activities.
In 2023, he co-founded the website For the Diaspora helping to provide a platform for Black students to connect and to champion equity in higher education.
“We’ve connected close to 6,000 students with the website,” explains Igoniderigha. “Most of them have been able to find mentorships, research positions and community through this platform.”
Community leadership
The 3M Fellowship isn’t Igoniderigha’s only recent award: in June he received the Youth Achievement Award at the Calgary Black Chambers 2024 Calgary Black Achievement Awards (CBAAs). He also won the Ted Rogers Future Leaders Scholarship in 2023, valued at $26,800, for his achievements in community leadership and academic excellence.
Igoniderigha continues to follow his passion for research and diversity, as the vice-president of the Canadian Organization for Undergraduate Health Research. In this role, he has helped connect underrepresented students to research opportunities.
“When we have diverse voices and perspectives contributing to novel research, the discoveries and change we can make in the world become limitless,” says Igoniderigha.
At a young age, Douye continues to stand out amongst his university peers as a community leader with his ongoing passion and commitment to supporting his community, both on and off campus.
Even on the heels of winning the 3M Fellowship, he thinks first of those around him.
“I’m grateful for those who’ve helped me here,” he says. “From Jared Secord who continuously supported me through the Scholars Academy program, to my reference writers, Dr. Jennifer Adams, my family members, and 2021 3MNSF winner Chaten Jessel and 2023 3MNSF winner Landon Foley – all of them.”
“Their voices of encouragement outshined my self-doubt and encouraged me to give it a shot and apply.”
