2022 Bursary Recipients
2022 Selection Committee
Each year, the Board of the JD Bridges Foundation appoints a selection committee of members across Canada to review the applications of each student who apply to the JD Bridges Bursary. After reading written applications, viewing a video presentation, and holding interviews, the Selection Committees are extremely impressed by the ambition of each applicant, and moved by their stories. We thank the esteemed panels for helping us build bridges for the upcoming law school admission cycle.
Hon. Justice Marlyse Dumel
Ottawa, Ontario
Fanta Ly
Montreal, Quebec
Fanta Ly
Fanta Ly is a third-year law student serving as the National Director of Mentorship of the Black Law Students’ Association of Canada and an executive member of McGill’s Black Law Students’ Association. She holds an MSc. from the London School of Economics, specializing in African economic development, a Certificate in Social Sciences and Humanities from Sciences Po Paris, and an Honours Bachelor in Political science from the University of Ottawa. She is currently a Black Wealth Club Follow and member of the Black Diplomats Academy.
Fanta is pursuing an impact-oriented career at the intersections of law, policy, and advocacy. She is currently spearheading an advocacy project on harassment and discrimination policies across Canadian universities and developing the first ranking of Canadian law schools for Black students.
Prior to law school, she interned as a Junior Policy Analyst in the Pan-African Affairs Division at Global Affairs Canada and as a compliance officer at the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Economic Development. Fanta is an avid writer and researcher. She conducted a research project on the Commission of Enquiry on Human Rights in Eritrea at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. At LSE, she worked as a research assistant on presumptive taxation schemes of African Small and Medium Enterprises. At McGill, she worked as a research assistant in international labor law, employment, and human rights.
Hodson Harding
Calgary, Alberta
Hodson Harding
Hodson is a lawyer practicing insurance defence in Toronto, who is passionate about diversity in the legal field. Hodson is a graduate of Thompson Rivers University Faculty of Law. Prior to completing his Juris Doctor, Hodson attended Rice University in Houston, Texas where he obtained his Bachelor of Arts in Sociology while competing at the highest level as an NCAA Division 1 athlete.
Hodson is engaged in a variety of organizations. Giving back to the community through volunteering is very important to him. He is a founding member of CABL’s (Canadian Association of Black Lawyers) Alberta chapter. He is also a member of CABIP (Canadian Association of Black Insurance Professionals). Aside from his work duties, Hodson is a mentor for Black youth throughout the inner-city area, and regularly provides advice to current and prospective law students.
Marko Simmonds
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Marko Simmonds
Marko Simmonds is a graduate of the Schulich School of Law 2021 and Articling Clerk with Cox & Palmer Law firm in Halifax, Nova Scotia working in Real Property law, criminal law, and entertainment law.
Marko is the Past President of the Dalhousie Black Law Student Association (DBLSA) 2019-2020. He has assisted African Canadian students pursuing a legal education, promoted employment opportunities, and bridged the gap between the legal community and Nova Scotia’s Black community. As a volunteer, Marko also travelled to Zambia and Zimbabwe, Africa, with a non-profit organization, Serving in Mission (SIM). Building relationships and action strategies that supported distribution of hygiene essentials, school supplies, and clean water to Zambian villages.
Outside of law school, Marko is a graduate of Berklee College of Music, Boston, MA, with a Bachelor of Music. As a Classical and Gospel Piano player Marko has performed for Lieutenant Governors, Premiers, and historical figures locally, nationally, and internationally. Marko is a former youth advisor and music director for the Late Dr. Rosa Parks of Montgomery, Alabama. This continues to be a highlight as Marko was able to meet with and perform for the “Mother of the modern-day civil rights movement.”
With all his achievements, Marko is a man devoted to his family and community, eager to continue lifting his community and provinces’ profile positively.
Osaro Obaseki
Vancouver, British Columbia
Osaro Obaseki
Osaro is Vancouver-based lawyer originally from Benin City, Nigeria. His family immigrated to Canada when he was five years old and he grew up in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside community. After completing his bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice at Mount Royal University in Calgary, Alberta, Osaro returned to Vancouver and earned his JD at the University of British Columbia.
He is currently an associate at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP, a national law firm that offers legal services primarily in the areas of employment and disability. His areas of expertise include wrongful dismissal, human rights claims, and contract drafting.
Shanice Prendergast
Toronto, Ontario
Shanice Prendergast
Shanice is Recruitment Associate and Manager, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Stitt + Zosky (Legal Search and Consulting). Prior to joining Stitt + Zosky, Shanice practiced employment law at a highly regarded employment boutique and articled at a leading national law firm. Shanice received a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi where she graduated with a summa cum laude designation. Shanice received her Juris Doctor from Osgoode Hall Law School where she was the President of the Black Law Students’ Association, a Division Leader at Community and Legal Aid Services Programme (CLASP), and the recipient of the Dean’s Gold Key Award. Shanice is committed to the inclusion and advancement of Black legal professionals and is passionate about helping Black students and lawyers in their personal and professional growth. Shanice is excited to realize this goal through the JD Bridges Foundation, within the legal community, and beyond.
Hon. Justice Marlyse Dumel
Ottawa, Ontario
Fanta Ly
Montreal, Quebec
Fanta Ly
Fanta Ly is a third-year law student serving as the National Director of Mentorship of the Black Law Students’ Association of Canada and an executive member of McGill’s Black Law Students’ Association. She holds an MSc. from the London School of Economics, specializing in African economic development, a Certificate in Social Sciences and Humanities from Sciences Po Paris, and an Honours Bachelor in Political science from the University of Ottawa. She is currently a Black Wealth Club Follow and member of the Black Diplomats Academy.
Fanta is pursuing an impact-oriented career at the intersections of law, policy, and advocacy. She is currently spearheading an advocacy project on harassment and discrimination policies across Canadian universities and developing the first ranking of Canadian law schools for Black students.
Prior to law school, she interned as a Junior Policy Analyst in the Pan-African Affairs Division at Global Affairs Canada and as a compliance officer at the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Economic Development. Fanta is an avid writer and researcher. She conducted a research project on the Commission of Enquiry on Human Rights in Eritrea at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. At LSE, she worked as a research assistant on presumptive taxation schemes of African Small and Medium Enterprises. At McGill, she worked as a research assistant in international labor law, employment, and human rights.
Hodson Harding
Calgary, Alberta
Hodson Harding
Hodson is a lawyer practicing insurance defence in Toronto, who is passionate about diversity in the legal field. Hodson is a graduate of Thompson Rivers University Faculty of Law. Prior to completing his Juris Doctor, Hodson attended Rice University in Houston, Texas where he obtained his Bachelor of Arts in Sociology while competing at the highest level as an NCAA Division 1 athlete.
Hodson is engaged in a variety of organizations. Giving back to the community through volunteering is very important to him. He is a founding member of CABL’s (Canadian Association of Black Lawyers) Alberta chapter. He is also a member of CABIP (Canadian Association of Black Insurance Professionals). Aside from his work duties, Hodson is a mentor for Black youth throughout the inner-city area, and regularly provides advice to current and prospective law students.
Marko Simmonds
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Marko Simmonds
Marko Simmonds is a graduate of the Schulich School of Law 2021 and Articling Clerk with Cox & Palmer Law firm in Halifax, Nova Scotia working in Real Property law, criminal law, and entertainment law.
Marko is the Past President of the Dalhousie Black Law Student Association (DBLSA) 2019-2020. He has assisted African Canadian students pursuing a legal education, promoted employment opportunities, and bridged the gap between the legal community and Nova Scotia’s Black community. As a volunteer, Marko also travelled to Zambia and Zimbabwe, Africa, with a non-profit organization, Serving in Mission (SIM). Building relationships and action strategies that supported distribution of hygiene essentials, school supplies, and clean water to Zambian villages.
Outside of law school, Marko is a graduate of Berklee College of Music, Boston, MA, with a Bachelor of Music. As a Classical and Gospel Piano player Marko has performed for Lieutenant Governors, Premiers, and historical figures locally, nationally, and internationally. Marko is a former youth advisor and music director for the Late Dr. Rosa Parks of Montgomery, Alabama. This continues to be a highlight as Marko was able to meet with and perform for the “Mother of the modern-day civil rights movement.”
With all his achievements, Marko is a man devoted to his family and community, eager to continue lifting his community and provinces’ profile positively.
Osaro Obaseki
Vancouver, British Columbia
Osaro Obaseki
Osaro is Vancouver-based lawyer originally from Benin City, Nigeria. His family immigrated to Canada when he was five years old and he grew up in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside community. After completing his bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice at Mount Royal University in Calgary, Alberta, Osaro returned to Vancouver and earned his JD at the University of British Columbia.
He is currently an associate at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP, a national law firm that offers legal services primarily in the areas of employment and disability. His areas of expertise include wrongful dismissal, human rights claims, and contract drafting.
Shanice Prendergast
Toronto, Ontario
Shanice Prendergast
Shanice is Recruitment Associate and Manager, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Stitt + Zosky (Legal Search and Consulting). Prior to joining Stitt + Zosky, Shanice practiced employment law at a highly regarded employment boutique and articled at a leading national law firm. Shanice received a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi where she graduated with a summa cum laude designation. Shanice received her Juris Doctor from Osgoode Hall Law School where she was the President of the Black Law Students’ Association, a Division Leader at Community and Legal Aid Services Programme (CLASP), and the recipient of the Dean’s Gold Key Award. Shanice is committed to the inclusion and advancement of Black legal professionals and is passionate about helping Black students and lawyers in their personal and professional growth. Shanice is excited to realize this goal through the JD Bridges Foundation, within the legal community, and beyond.
2022 Recipient Map Tour
Thank you to each person who applied to the JD Bridges Bursary. As a result of the generous support from our donors and sponsors, we are proud to present the recipients from our bursary program.
Hover over the bridges on the map to see the JD Bridges Bursary recipients.
*View this page from a laptop/desktop for the optimal viewing experience.
*The bridges do not represent exact locations.
Adam Lake (Ontario)
1 of 20
Ali Saleh (Ontario)
2 of 20
Anastasia Kelly (Manitoba)
3 of 20
Beyoncé Kaye (Ontario)
4 of 20
Danika Elias (British Columbia)
5 of 20
Jacqueline Kwafo (Ontario)
6 of 20
Jessica Bessem (British Columbia)
7 of 20
John Mweemba (Newfoundland and Labrador)
8 of 20
Joshua Grant (Ontario)
9 of 20
Joy Katjamana (Alberta)
Keren Harrison (Alberta)
11 of 20
Lila Iriburiro Happy (Ontario)
12 of 20
Mardochee Celestin (Ontario)
Nyarai Chidemo (Ontario)
14 of 20
Reem Elmahi (Manitoba)
Shenikah Newman (Ontario)
16 of 20
Shequera Powell (Ontario)
17 of 20
Velencia Scott-Ward (Ontario)
18 of 20
Whitney Igidi (Ontario)
Zakaria Abdulle (Ontario)
2022 Recipients
Click on the dot on the map to view the Recipient
Adam Lake (Ontario)
1 of 20
Ali Saleh (Ontario)
2 of 20
Anastasia Kelly (Manitoba)
3 of 20
Beyoncé Kaye (Ontario)
4 of 20
Danika Elias (British Columbia)
5 of 20
Jacqueline Kwafo (Ontario)
6 of 20
Jessica Bessem (British Columbia)
7 of 20
John Mweemba (Newfoundland and Labrador)
8 of 20
Joshua Grant (Ontario)
9 of 20
Joy Katjamana (Alberta)
Keren Harrison (Alberta)
11 of 20
Lila Iriburiro Happy (Ontario)
12 of 20Mardochee Celestin (Ontario)
Nyarai Chidemo (Ontario)
14 of 20Reem Elmahi (Manitoba)
Shenikah Newman (Ontario)
16 of 20
Shequera Powell (Ontario)
17 of 20
Velencia Scott-Ward (Ontario)
18 of 20Whitney Igidi (Ontario)
Zakaria Abdulle (Ontario)
2022 Recipients
Click on the dot on the map to view the Recipient
Adam Lake (Ontario)
1 of 20
Ali Saleh (Ontario)
2 of 20
Anastasia Kelly (Manitoba)
3 of 20
Beyoncé Kaye (Ontario)
4 of 20
Danika Elias (British Columbia)
5 of 20
Jacqueline Kwafo (Ontario)
6 of 20
Jessica Bessem (British Columbia)
7 of 20
John Mweemba (Newfoundland and Labrador)
8 of 20
Joshua Grant (Ontario)
9 of 20Joy Katjamana (Alberta)
Keren Harrison (Alberta)
11 of 20
Lila Iriburiro Happy (Ontario)
12 of 20Mardochee Celestin (Ontario)
Nyarai Chidemo (Ontario)
14 of 20Reem Elmahi (Manitoba)
Shenikah Newman (Ontario)
16 of 20
Shequera Powell (Ontario)
17 of 20
Velencia Scott-Ward (Ontario)
18 of 20Whitney Igidi (Ontario)
Zakaria Abdulle (Ontario)
2022 Recipient List
Below you’ll find the list of recipients of the 2022 JD Bridges Foundation Bursary
Adam Lake
Why Adam is applying to law school
Adam Lake (He/Him) is a Toronto-born community activist who ensures that individuals from equity-seeking groups are represented within legal and political systems. He is applying to law school because he wants to decrease the risk of recidivism and end the lack of community knowledge about services and legal rights for racialized youth and young adults.
Adam’s professional goal is to combat social injustice and rebuild community knowledge surrounding legal services and rights within the Black community. Adam wants to challenge the status quo and empower Black people to take their chairs if they are not given a seat at the table, so their voices can be heard.
Ali Saleh
Why Ali is applying to law school
I am applying to law school to empower and represent my community. I am Sudanese, African, Black and proud. My heritage, culture, traditions and values mean everything to me.
As a lawyer, I will embody these values, as I pursue a path towards excellence in all of my affairs. I aspire to pursue justice, whether that means protecting my community from grave miscarriages of justice, or pursuing litigation against nefarious entities. This is my mission, and it is one I will pursue ruthlessly, both individually and collectively. I plan to make an impact that will catalyze structural reforms that benefit my family, my community, my loved ones, my culture and black folk at large.
Anastasia Kelly
Why Anastasia is applying to law school
I decided to apply to law school because I think that the world can use more black lawyers. I also wanted to become a resource for the black community. From a very young age, I learnt knowledge is power so I continue to seek out ways to educate myself. Moreover, I love law so becoming a lawyer was a pretty easy decision for me.
Beyoncé Kaye
Why Beyoncé is applying to law school
My name is Beyoncé Kaye and the reason why I am applying to law school is pretty simple, I want to make a change in the criminal justice system as a Black woman in today’s society. Growing up, seeing Black representation in lawyers and judges in the court system was very sparse and it quickly dawned on me that to see more representation I had to become the representation when I got older and with that discovery came the decision to pursue law. I have been actively working towards going to law school ever since I started university four years ago. As I’m graduating this spring, I am finally stepping in that direction by taking the LSAT and applying to law school this upcoming fall. Law school has a very daunting persona but I know that it’s very important to see your own representation in all job sectors. Black people and more especially Black women are rarely seen as lawyers more specifically in Canada, so it is my mission and goal to become a young Black lawyer who other young Black men and women can look up to and aspire to be. Becoming that representation is not only important to me, but also for my mom. She always taught me to be the boldest, smartest, hardworking person that I could be growing up. So this journey of going to law school is not only for me but also for my mom. I am applying to law school so that I can become the representation that my fellow young Black students need, I hope to be the change so I can inspire and motivate other aspiring Black men and women who want to become lawyers, that is why I am applying to law school.
Danika Elias
Why Danika is applying to law school
Lawyers provide an essential service to those who cannot navigate the legal system without expert counsel. I have witnessed first-hand the good they do for people as their clients navigate what can be the most difficult circumstances of their lives. I believe I can contribute meaningfully to this profession, and law school is the first step leading to a legal career that strives to do good for others.
Jacqueline Kwafo
Why Jacqueline is applying to law school
I have always aspired to become a lawyer. Although circumstances caused me to delay that dream, I now feel ready and excited to begin this journey. As a black woman, I understand the significance of representation and why it is necessary. I would like to have a voice within the legal system and help break barriers within my community. Pursuing a career in law is a medium through which I can serve and empower people.
Jessica Bessem
Why Jessica is applying to law school
Law school gives me an opportunity to represent black women in the legal field and to ease the tension of women and families in need of legal assistance.
John Mweemba
Why John is applying to law school
My desire to pursue a legal career has derived from my journey as a young anti-racism activist. It is well documented that black people are a minority in Canada, this premise is mirrored in the legal sector hence, Canada has a limited number of black lawyers. My pursuit of racial justice as a university student has been fruitful but continuing this path as a lawyer would grant me the opportunity to expand on this path substantially. I would be honoured to be a part of the next generation of black lawyers in Canada, being able to lead, support, and impact critical decisions in my community would be a dream come true. The legal sector in Newfoundland and Labrador does not have a black voice nor does it have many black lawyers, this is upsetting because the future black people in my province will not have a black leader just like I do not. I am committed to changing this narrative in Newfoundland, I have been able to support many racialized communities with the platforms I have been able to represent but this would not compare to the impact a lawyer would have. James Baldwin states, “not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.” I would like to take this opportunity to face conflict and issues in my community as a lawyer, rather than wait for others to make that change. This is a mentality I have demonstrated earlier by founding the first Memorial University Black Students’ Association. Becoming a lawyer would allow for the expansion of black networks like this at a legal and communal level. This would be a staple in the black community in my province since they are desperately needed. During my undergraduate degree, I have studied systems, societies, the legal world and the world at large; there is no better institution to further this learning than law school. The world needs great lawyers to inspire justice and equality in our societies. Lawyers are some of the biggest actors in the pursuit of change, without laws our society would not function. Becoming a lawyer would not be just a career for me it would be an opportunity to impact countless lives for the better.
Joshua Grant
Why Joshua is applying to law school
I am applying to law school because of my desire to help people, and the legal system will help me do just that. Too many go without adequate representation and do not get the justice they deserve and I want to do my part in bringing forth change through advocacy and being that representation that fights for clients even when it's hard. As a young boy, it was always instilled in me that I could make an impact on the world, and leave behind a positive legacy. A legacy that sets a good example for all children growing up—especially those of African-American descent—that they can do anything they put their minds too. In my eyes, applying to law school is one of the many steps I will be taking to reach that goal and I’d like to thank the JD Bridges Bursary Foundation for supporting me in this journey.
Joy Katjamana
Why Joy is applying to law school
A legal career will provide me with the opportunity to positively affect the lives of others. When I see the most vulnerable people and communities hurting around me, I feel like I have a duty to act. I’m called to become a lawyer. I will bring my own individual identity, perspectives, and lived experiences to the law. I know what legal courage is and it is what I intend to have in my practice.
Keren Harrison
Why Keren is applying to law school
I decided to study law when I realized that the needs of Black Canadian immigrants (like myself) were not prioritized in legal or policy agendas. I am particularly passionate about supporting low-income immigrant families with their legal needs. Although Canada directs many resources toward new immigrants, the law fails to address our unique structural, social, and economic circumstances. Since Canada’s Black diaspora is expanding rapidly, having more Black perspectives in law will help mitigate these barriers. I want to gain a legal education to help develop and interpret the law in a way that structurally elevates Black Canadians.
Lila Iriburiro Happy
Why Lila is applying to law school
“Inspired by Amos 5:24, the vision I commence my legal career with is to “let justice flow like a river and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream”. I have witnessed the complex polarity of the law; it can oppress and liberate. Fundamentally, the need to serve people in an equitable approach is why I am applying to law school. As a human rights lawyer, I intend on practicing international law in a multilingual capacity, advocating for sexual violence prevention through intersectional, traumainformed social work, and ethics of care frameworks while representing children, with the goal of becoming a judge. The JD Bridges Foundation epitomizes equity and has supported me, as an African Diaspora international student- notwithstanding the systemic barriers, to pursue my hopes to enter law school and champion justice.”
Mardochee Celestin
Why Jessica is applying to law school
Law school gives me an opportunity to represent black women in the legal field and to ease the tension of women and families in need of legal assistance.
Nyarai Chidemo
Why Nyarai is applying to law school
My commitment to changing Black women’s lives through education compels me to go to law school. As an African immigrant in Canada, becoming a Black female lawyer means that I can advocate for more Black women here and beyond. It provides me with the opportunity to advocate for policies and structures that facilitate economic advancement and equity for Black women. Nelson Mandela once said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” Hence, I want to be part of the change that opens doors of possibilities for Black women, creates spaces of equity, and breaks generational barriers for a sustainable future for the Black community.
Reem Elmahi
Why Reem is applying to law school
I am applying to law school because after volunteering and gaining experience in advocating for Black students at my university, I realized that this is what I want to do as a career! I hope that by going to law school I can learn the skills I need to be able to most effectively advocate for others.
Shenikah Newman
Why Shenikah is applying to law school
As a young professional, I am applying to law school to develop legal training to advocate against violence and uphold the rights of women and other minority groups. I currently provide support, information and guidance to hundreds of clients throughout the criminal court process. Unfortunately, many of these clients have not had relatable representation, or been able to see their race reflected in the faces of those who hold decision making authority.
I will be entering the legal academic sphere with a trained lens to scrutinise prosecutorial functions with a passion to create solutions that enhance the administration of justice for all.
Velencia Scott-Ward
Why Velencia is applying to law school
I always knew even before entering high-school that I’d pursue a career in Law. It has always been my passion to help people and stand-up for those who are marginalized and often disregarded in modern day society. I've been on an unwavering path to pursue my academic goals ever since.
Shequera Powell
Why Shequera is applying to law school
What has inspired me to apply to law school is my drive and passion to make a positive impact on individuals' lives and be the change that I want to see in the world. I believe that there should be more black individuals, specifically black women in positions of power. I want to develop better insight and formulate a deeper understanding of the law to be able to enact structural change. I believe that representation matters. It is crucial for black children to know that there is a place for them in positions of power within society, and that they are bigger than their past and greater than their current situations. Formal education was never created or meant to be for the black population which is why I am even more determined to put myself into that space to be a voice for my people and to challenge myself in ways I never could have imagined before.
Zakaria Abdulle
Why Zakaria is applying to law school
After nearly a decade working at the intersection of community organizing and policy development, my understanding today is that "the law" is not framed for bringing justice to the communities I come from. Deeply personal experiences navigating various tenets of our legal system has provided me with the sobering reality that advocacy through legal channels must work hand in hand with our communities push for policy change. Hence why I am pursuing Law School to equip me with the legal training required to expedite the policy process for change for the communities I come from.
Whitney Igidi
Why Whitney is applying to law school
Whitney Igidi is an advocate, researcher and analyst specializing in gender justice, restorative legal reform and transitional justice in settler-colonial states.
Her research concerns the intersections between gender, law and structural violence. Notably, Whitney’s experiences include conducting primary research in Rwanda concerning survivors of sexual violence and their experiences during the post-conflict proceedings, investigating the disproportionate impact of property laws on Black and Indigenous women in Canada, and applying a gender-based analysis to the Ontario COVID-19 plan. Her recent piece, “Voices Forgotten: The Need for Transitional Justice in Canada and the U.S” was published by the London Free Press as part of a guide to advocacy for the BLM movement. Whitney hopes to combine her knowledge of policy with a law degree to continue providing accessible legal education to marginalized communities. Whitney holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Western University. She is currently completing a Master’s in International Affairs at the Norman Paterson School for International Affairs, where she acts as the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion student representative to the faculty committee.
