USask grad, Dolapo Fadare, advocates for representation, anti-racism, and systemic change.

Dolapo Fadare (BA’20) says she cherishes living a life that provides value, not just for herself but, for the larger communities that she belongs to.

Fadare was born in Lagos, Nigeria, in 1997 and moved to Regina, Sask., in 2007. She enrolled at USask in 2015. 

The young alumna’s accomplishments are as wide-ranging as her resume is diverse. She is a graduate of USask’s College of Arts of Science, majoring in economics (honors) and minoring in political sciences.  She is a scholar of the Terry Fox Humanitarian Award Program for her work in community development and also a member of the Cansbridge Fellowship which is Canada’s premier network of entrepreneurial undergraduate students. Additionally, she is a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Scholar and a recipient of the Canada - China Exchange Scholar Program. 

Her work centers around conducting market research, building strong mutually beneficial relationships through business development, and using creative storytelling to present data analysis in an easily understandable format. 

She’s taken on these responsibilities in both the private and public sectors in the Canadian, Chinese, and Nigerian markets. 

We touched base with this ambitious young alumnus to see how USask shaped her career path, and how she is influenced by Black History Month.

"My USASK education, economics in particular, helped me understand best practices from the public and private sectors. As a result of the extracurricular programs I was able to partake it while at USASK, I was able to identify which career path I wanted to pursue."

"I use my voice in my community to advocate for more diverse representation in background and perspectives within private and public institutions. I do this informally by being a mentor to other young Black women interested in tech, economics, public policy, or international development. Several people have assisted and supported me in my career journey, one way or the other. Paying it forward one person at a time is critical to amplifying and supporting the next generation in addressing social and environmental issues that face our global community. Additionally, Black women are underrepresented in many of these fields, and their contributions are critical. 

Formally, I do this by volunteering with organizations that are important to me. Right now, I volunteer my time on the Executive team of Black in Saskatchewan (BIS). The goal of this non-profit is to contribute to the holistic growth of the Black community in Saskatchewan by addressing systemic issues, connecting members to various networks, and educating on Black experiences. Since joining BIS In June, I am continuously inspired by my colleagues and several young black youths across the province that are mobilizing for actionable, sustainable change for the Black community. BIS has strategically organized to engage all levels of governments and school boards in addressing anti-black racism.

Recently, I gave an update on CTV News Regina on the progress BIS has had in the past few months."

"To quote one of Black in Saskatchewan Members at Large, Matt Nash, “I’ve always taken it as a month of celebration and reflection; celebration of the extraordinary contributions of Black people worldwide, but also reflecting upon the extraordinary sacrifices of those who paved the way, forced lasting change and inspired the continued activism that resulted in the formation of groups such as BIS.”

It is also important to recognize there should not be only one month that celebrates Black people and our history. Incorporating Black history on a daily is vital to building an equitable and just future."