Under the leadership of Dana Oswald and Shile Adeyoyin, Co-Presidents for the 2024/25 academic year, the BLSA continues to strengthen its mission of fostering community, professional development and systemic change.
Leaders in Action: Dana Oswald and Shile Adeyoyin
Dana Oswald, a second-year student in the English Common Law program, brings a strong background in conflict studies and human rights to her leadership role. Her passion for equity and justice inspired her to pursue law, with the goal of contributing to meaningful policy changes.
“My background in conflict studies and human rights laid the foundation for this passion, and my experience as a Policy Analyst showed me how impactful legal expertise can be in shaping policies that affect people’s lives. I want to leverage this knowledge to create systemic change on both a national and global scale,” she explains.
For Dana, BLSA is more than an organization—it’s a vital community for Black law students.
“My main goal is to foster a sense of community and belonging for Black students in law school.”
Dana Nicole Oswald Co-President, BLSA-uOttawa 2L, English Common Law Program
“We aim to amplify Black voices, create mentorship opportunities, and host events that not only celebrate our achievements but also address the unique challenges we face. One of our key initiatives is building bridges between Black law students and Black legal professionals, creating a robust network of support and advocacy.”
Her co-president, Shile Adeyoyin, a third-year student in the English Common Law program, shares a similar drive for social impact and legal advocacy. With a background in International Development from the University of Toronto, Shile has dedicated herself to advancing socio-economic opportunities for youth. “I've always been passionate about the pursuit of socio-economic development for youth,” she shares
“My earnest desire has been to empower youth by creating opportunities for them to advance beyond previous achievements and break new grounds.”
Shile Adeyoyin Co-President, BLSA-uOttawa 3L, English Common Law Program
Shile’s leadership extends beyond uOttawa. She is also Co-President of the African Impact Initiative, an organization committed to African youth development, and she is Lead of Program Development at TEDxUTSC, a platform for sharing transformative ideas. Her dedication to advocacy and policy development continues to shape her vision for BLSA, ensuring that Black law students receive the resources, mentorship, and professional connections they need to thrive.
Opening doors to success and advocacy
The BLSA at uOttawa is deeply committed to supporting Black law students, creating professional opportunities and fostering a strong sense of belonging. Through networking events, mentorship programs and collaborations with other Black student organizations, the BLSA cultivates an inclusive space where students can excel academically and professionally.
The organization also plays a critical role in spreading awareness and educating others about racial justice and systemic discrimination in the legal field. “We will soon be entering the legal system as lawyers, leaders, and agents of change. So we, as moral actors, must apply the principles and the rule of law to ensure that the system is just for all. We have the power to make real change by educating ourselves and spreading awareness regarding the racism and discrimination that exists in our legal system,” the BLSA mission statement affirms.
Get involved. Make a difference!
As Black History Month serves as both a celebration and a call to action, Dana reminds students of the importance of getting involved. “My advice would be to join without hesitation! BLSA is more than an organization—it’s a supportive community where you can find mentorship, resources, and lifelong friendships. It’s also a chance to contribute to meaningful conversations and initiatives that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the legal field.”
With leaders like Dana Oswald and Shile Adeyoyin at the helm, the BLSA continues to pave the way for Black excellence in law. Their dedication to advocacy, mentorship and community-building is a testament to the power of student leadership in creating lasting change.