The Executive Board

 
President: Serwah Afranie
Class of 2020
Majors:  Public Health and International Studies
Why I joined ASA: ASA should be able to make students aware of the issues occurring in Africa. A lot of conflicts and tragedies occur at the same scale or even worse than some other tragedies around the world, based on how the media covers it. I want to help bring more attention to the happenings of Africa to the student body.
Vice President: Eniitan Tejuoso
Class of 2021
Major: Medicine, Science, and the Humanities
Why I joined ASA: I joined ASA because I wanted a home away from home on campus and because I wanted to share that home with the greater Hopkins and Baltimore community. This organization has allowed me to learn more about the continent and myself, and being a member has been a very rewarding and fun experience!

 
Secretary: Olayide Ashiru
Class of 2022
Major: Materials Science and Engineering
Why I joined ASA: Going into a new chapter of my life at Hopkins, I wanted to become more in touch with my culture and help the initiative ASA has to break down the stigmas people have about Africa as a whole. As Freshman Rep, I want to help be a voice for the freshman class for something I am passionate about and I’m excited to see where the year goes!
Treasurer: Moufi Adedoyin
Class of 2022
Major: Economics
Why I joined ASA: Growing up in Baltimore, I was exposed to people from different cultures and backgrounds which I loved and enjoyed. When it comes to the African diaspora, however, I was usually the only African student or one of a few. When I would speak to African people, I would be too young around the adults or too old for the kids. After coming to Hopkins, I met so many people from all over the diaspora and joined the ASA. ASA has been a great club but after my first semester, I wanted to see my ideas in ASA which is why I decided to run for the executive board. I hope to make ASA a safe space for people to come and learn about African culture but also a palace where we can have deeper conversations about what it means to be in the diaspora.
OMA & Diversity and Collaboration Chair: Nkechi Uradu
Class of 2020
Major: Public Health
Why I joined ASA: I was motivated to join ASA in order to spread the love of my culture to other students. Not only is this organization a wonderful way to meet other students of a similar cultural background, but it is also a great way to educate the public about the continent of Africa. I wanted to be a part of a community that showed to others the many things that the continent can offer.

Events Chair: Lara Uthman
Class of 2021
Majors: Writing Seminars and English
Minor: Philosophy
Why I joined ASA: I decided to join ASA because I wanted to be part of an environment where I could celebrate and explore my culture. Through events like the Basket Auction Gala and the African Fashion Show (my personal favorite!), ASA has fostered a community of people who are proud of their heritage, and I’m incredibly lucky to be part of it!
Alumni & Membership Retention Chair: Ekaete Ekpo
Class of 2022
Majors: Neuroscience and Psychology
Why I joined ASA: I joined ASA to learn and share information about the cultures of African nations including (but not limited to) my own – Nigeria! I also wanted to help build and maintain a welcoming and engaged community of African students at Hopkins!

Publicity & Public Relations Chair:  Oluwatobi Ogunbiyi 

Class of 2022

Major: Public Health                                                                             

Why I joined ASA: I see ASA as an opportunity to share with other people the beauty that is Africa and to be part of a team who genuinely believe that Africa will be the Superpower it can be!

Research, History, and Education Chair: Ozioma Anyanwu
Class of 2022
Major: Medicine, Science, and the Humanities
Why I joined ASA: I joined ASA to further explore my African heritage. Growing up as one of the only black people in the spaces I inhabited, my home was the only place where I truly felt truly myself. Since then, the ASA at Hopkins became my home away from home. Now, I love that I’m able to share my heritage with others while also embracing other aspects of the diaspora.

Fundraising & Community Service Chair: Maalson Nyonna
Class of 2021
Majors: International Studies and Public Health
Why I joined ASA: I joined ASA because I wanted to learn more about the continent. I was looking for a place where I can have engaging discourse about issues on the continent, and I found it in ASA.

Webmaster & Technician: Fatima Ceesay
Class of 2021
Major: Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
Minor: Engineering for Sustainable Development.
Why I joined ASA: I joined the ASA because I enjoy the many stimulating discussions we have about the continent. After every meeting, I go home with a lot to think about and that is what I love most about this organization.

 
Freshman Representative: Ameerah Azeez-Bello
Class of 2023
Major: Behavioral Biology
Why I joined ASA: I saw being a part of ASA as an opportunity to express my culture with no limitations. I love everything about being african & I enjoy sharing that with others. Being in ASA will give me a sense of community and family that I really wanted here at Hopkins so I’m really excited!
Freshman Representative:  Yacine Sy
Class of 2023
Major:
Why I joined ASA: I was drawn to the culturally diverse and vast representation of afro culture within the ASA. Furthermore, the inclusive, social, and welcoming ambiance during our first general body meeting made me realize that I wanted to become an active member. The ASA is also dynamic and takes on a lot of exciting projects. From the Annual Fashion Show to BAG and vibrant GBMs, ASA has so much to offer. I am happy to have found a jovial community and honored to be a part of the ASA!