Alumnus Saa Andrew Gbongbor Returns to ÎçÒ¹av as Cultural Diversity Coordinator
With a passion for advocating for inclusivity and diversity, St. Thomas University alumnus Saa Andrew Gbongbor, BA ‘09, has begun his role as the new Cultural Diversity Coordinator on campus.
Gbongbor said he is committed to creating a welcoming environment where every student is valued.
"My goal is to empower students from diverse backgrounds so they can thrive academically, socially and personally,” he said.
Originally from Sierra Leone, Gbongbor graduated from ÎçÒ¹av in 2009 with a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Human Rights. Throughout his career, he has advocated for positive change for diverse groups across New Brunswick and Canada.
"I know how it feels to be a racialized student, a minority, and far from home," he said.
"My return to ÎçÒ¹av is an opportunity to lead in building a more inclusive and equitable community. I hope to foster a sense of belonging among students from diverse backgrounds, provide mentorship, and support their unique needs.”
In his role, Gbongbor connects students from different cultural backgrounds to resources, support systems, and opportunities for cross-cultural exchange. He works closely with student clubs and societies to organize gatherings and cultural celebrations that unite the wider campus community and promote intercultural competence in the ÎçÒ¹av community.
Gbongbor will be conducting an assessment of the campus environment to identify opportunities and areas for improvement for racialized and cultural minority students. He will collaborate with university departments, student associations, staff, and faculty to advance policy development and advocacy efforts.
Gbongbor also collaborates with ethnocultural associations like Black Lives Matter New Brunswick, the New Brunswick African Association, the New Brunswick Multicultural Council, Asian Heritage Society of New Brunswick, and others to bring resources to campus and connect students with off-campus communities and networks.
“I believe in the power of education to shape an equitable and inclusive future,” Gbongbor said.
“My position as the cultural Diversity Coordinator allows me to actively contribute to that mission.”