Incubating Talent, Cultivating Change
By John-Paul Bonadonna
The Black Scholars Institute lounge opened in 2025 as a central hub for Black students and scholars, offering a space for collaboration, cultural expression and intellectual growth. | Photo by PAC.
Two bold initiatives are reshaping how equity takes root on campus — by aligning people, empowering scholars and nurturing talent.
Two transformative initiatives are redefining how equity, diversity and inclusion are enacted — and how they shape campus life.
The Indigenous and Black Student Talent Incubator (known as the CUBE) and the Black Scholars Institute (BSI) are designed to empower students and scholars while fostering environments of belonging, innovation and academic excellence.
Both are driven by a bold commitment to addressing systemic inequities, amplifying underrepresented voices, nurturing leadership and talent and fostering sustainable pathways for success.
Launched in September 2023, the CUBE acts as a talent incubator.
The program provides a structured pipeline of support for Indigenous and Black students through workshops, mentorship, networking and financial assistance.
Kemi Anazodo, assistant professor at the Odette School of Business and the CUBE’s director, emphasizes personal engagement and community-building, especially in early-stage outreach.
“Students may not know about the opportunities available to them, or they may need guidance to pursue their interests,” said Dr. Anazodo.
“We’re having these conversations with students to work towards better understanding the guidance they need, how we can best connect them to career-relevant opportunities and ultimately strengthen our talent pipeline of Indigenous and Black students.”
The CUBE launched its first Indigenous and Black Talent Development Award this year, granting $2,000 each to nine students in recognition of their community connection, academic pursuits and career goals.
BSI and CUBE events serve to put stated commitments into action through programming, collaboration and community trust-building. | Photos by PAC.
While the CUBE builds pathways, the Black Scholars Institute cultivates intellectual belonging and visibility. Camisha Sibblis, assistant professor in the Department of Sociology and Criminology, assumed the role of director in May 2024, guiding the institute’s foundational vision and naming.
“It suggests that this is not only a think tank to generate Black knowledge but also a home to Black scholars, meaning any Black knowledge producer, irrespective of their subject of study,” said Dr. Sibblis.
“We intend to play a crucial role with connecting Black scholars and the University collectively to the local community.”
The impact has been immediate.
Among numerous new hires, Carlo Charles joined the University in 2023 as an assistant professor in the Department of Sociology and Criminology.
“BSI has provided an affirming space for collaboration, mentorship and community-building that supports my research, teaching and engagement with students,” said Dr. Charles.
“It reflects the University’s stated commitments in action and enhances its visibility as a leader in social justice, partnership and innovation.”
UWindsor’s support of the CUBE and BSI aims to reshape how equity manifests across campus, reaffirming that diversity is more than policy but rather a people-focused source of creativity, resilience and collective well-being.
