New DCI aims to help students network with industry, support innovation, and make the Student Association more visible on campus.
Ifeoluwa Oluwatoyin, who prefers to go by Faith, is a former George Brown Polytechnic student who has become a Student Association (SA) board member.
Studying cloud computing technologies for his course, he chose George Brown for its unique programs that he could not find at other colleges.
What inspired him to run for the SA was having previously worked with the Black Student Success Network (BSSN).
“I was working with the Black Student Success Network and my experience there increased my love in advocating for student success when students comes to the space and say, ‘hey, I need help with this,’ I’m like, oh, like, this is asides, like my career, like my own passion, advocating for students, looking out for students, was I felt good about it, so I said, You know what? Why not? I can run for this,” said Oluwatoyin.
As a student, Oluwatoyin noticed that many peers did not understand the Student Association and its role on campus. He wanted to learn how it functioned and how it could serve students better.
“Those engagements can let the student know that, okay, we are for them and not just they’re just like placeholders,” he said.
Oluwatoyin’s top priorities focus on connecting students with industry and supporting innovation. He wants students to network with alumni and professionals in finance, technology, and other fields.
He also wants to create platforms for entrepreneurial and innovative students to showcase their projects.
Engagement is another priority. Oluwatoyin says many students feel disconnected from the SA He wants to make it more visible on campus through events, wellness programs, equity initiatives, and outreach efforts.
“We’re currently looking into how we can utilize our resources in the Student Association and also as board members to ensure that students have that privilege to express their innovative side.”
Oluwatoyin brings experience from his advocacy work to the board. He describes his leadership style as collaborative and student focused. He also wants to use data and communication platforms to better understand student needs and make informed decisions.
The role is not without challenges. Oluwatoyin says the workload can be overwhelming. He often attends long meetings and must learn quickly to fulfill his responsibilities.
“Sometimes it’s overwhelming, but it’s good for growth.”
Oluwatoyin believes in speaking up rather than just adapting. He shared an example from his student days when a professor was not delivering the course properly. Oluwatoyin brought the issue to the dean during regular meetings, even when others stayed quiet.
His message to students is clear: use available resources and get involved.
“Many people don’t know that, like in George Brown, there are lots of opportunities. Honestly, I wish I can go back to being a student, because I know some things that are in the college that are very good opportunities for students,” said Oluwatoyin.
He encourages students to take full advantage of programs, events, and support services to make their college experience meaningful.
Through his initiatives, Oluwatoyin hopes to strengthen the connection between students and the SA. He wants every student to feel that their voice matters and that they have support on campus
