Obiajulu Udemgba Reflects I.D.E.A.L Principles in Accessible Design
When Obiajulu Udemgba, a first-year student of architecture at the University of Toronto, learned that she had been selected as one of the inaugural recipients of BioTalent Canada’s I.D.E.A.L. (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility Leadership) Scholarship she was overcome with two feelings: catharsis and gratitude.
“They are the strongest and most authentic words to describe my feelings when I fully internalized the message that I was selected as one of the recipients of the Inaugural BioTalent Canada I.D.E.A.L. Scholarship,” she explains.
For Obiajulu, who comes from a single-parent household and is no stranger to the challenges faced by persons with disabilities, the scholarship represented more than just financial support. As a Black woman and a person with Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD), it acknowledges her lived experiences and her commitment to leadership, inclusivity, and accessibility. Managing ADHD has shaped how she approaches education and life in general.
“The scholarship is not only a recognition of my achievements but also of the resilience required to navigate the academic world with a behavioural disability,” she says. “To know that in the end, no matter what battles I have endured in my personal, professional, and social life, this scholarship has provided me with immeasurable opportunity and fulfillment.”
The I.D.E.A.L. Scholarship — valued at $10,000 — was designed to support students from equity-deserving groups entering post-secondary studies in STEM fields. For Obiajulu, this recognition is a vital stepping stone toward her lifelong commitment to sustainable development, a passion she has nurtured since childhood.
A Dream Realized
Architecture has always been at the heart of Obiajulu’s ambitions, but financial obstacles and societal pressures have been constant companions on her journey. Growing up, she faced the weight of societal expectations to conform to a system that rarely understood her lived experiences.
“As a racial minority, I have always struggled with the pressure of expectations working against me — the expectation to succeed and make my family proud, but also the fear of becoming a statistic,” she reveals.
The financial burden that comes with pursuing a degree in architecture has been significantly eased by the I.D.E.A.L. Scholarship, and for that, Obiajulu is deeply grateful.
“Finances will no longer be as much of an issue for myself and my family. For BioTalent Canada’s incredible contributions to my future, I am deeply thankful,” she says.
The scholarship has given her a sense of stability that she has longed for, allowing her to focus more on her studies and engage fully in student life at the John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design.
Integrating IDEAL Principles into Her Work
Inclusivity and equity are not just abstract concepts for Obiajulu — they are deeply embedded in her life’s mission. As the founder of her high school’s first Aviation Club, Obiajulu took deliberate steps to ensure that the club reflected the principles of I.D.E.A.L.
“Reconciling my identity as a Black woman and outsider with the landscape of aviation — a generally exclusive space — was no easy task,” she explains. But Obiajulu embraced the challenge, leading initiatives that promoted inclusivity at every level.
Through volunteer translation efforts, leadership positions centered on accessibility, and securing funding through the 2024 Vimy Inspires Tomorrow Grant, Obiajulu worked tirelessly to make aviation more inclusive.
“Language became a unifying tool to promote understanding and demonstrate the values of inclusivity and diversity,” she says.
Her efforts also extended to ensuring resource equity for students pursuing aviation studies, providing them with the tools and support needed to succeed. Now, as she embarks on her studies in architecture, Obiajulu brings this same passion for equity and inclusion to the world of design.
She says that part of loving something is understanding its faults, acknowledging that the architectural field, particularly in North America, has historically been exclusive and slow to recognize the contributions of racialized communities. However, Obiajulu is hopeful about the future, noting that progress is being made, and programs like the University of Toronto’s “Building Black Success Through Design” initiative are helping to pave the way for greater inclusivity in the industry.
A Voice for Change
Obiajulu’s experiences as both a Black woman and someone with a disability have shaped her approach to accessibility and inclusivity in architecture.
“Since early childhood, I have understood that I must work extremely hard, and at times much harder than my peers, to be considered for the same opportunities,” she says. But despite the challenges, she remains optimistic about the future of architecture and the role that Black communities will play in shaping the industry.
Her commitment to inclusion goes beyond advocacy for racial representation. Obiajulu is also dedicated to addressing the barriers faced by people with disabilities, particularly those with behavioural disabilities like ADHD.
“There is still work to be done within architecture because genuine equity has not yet been fully realized,” she explains. “I am committed to influencing the development of programs, policy strategies, and workplace cultures to allow for more effective access and inclusion for diverse people with disabilities.”
A Lifelong Advocate for Equity
Obiajulu’s passion for equity and inclusion is not confined to the classroom or her future career — it is a lifelong mission rooted in her personal experiences and values. Growing up as a first-generation Nigerian-Canadian, she witnessed firsthand the settlement challenges faced by newcomers to Canada. Her mother’s work in the newcomer settlement sector inspired Obiajulu to lead community initiatives like the International Women of Saskatoon’s Spring Bottle Drive and the Kicks4Kids program, both of which aimed to uplift vulnerable youth in her community.
For Obiajulu, these acts of philanthropy are more than just volunteer work — they are an expression of self, a way to give back to the community and promote equitable access to opportunities.
“It is my hope that these initiatives will have an empowering, intergenerational impact and provide greater access to opportunity for underserved youth from diverse communities,” she says.
Her work as a tutor with English as an Additional Language (EAL) students is another reflection of her commitment to inclusivity.
“Language is a tool that can unify people, but it can also act as a barrier, producing division,” she explains. “Through tutoring, I aim to use language as a unifying tool, demonstrating the values of inclusivity, diversity, equity, accessibility, and leadership.”
Looking Ahead: A Future in Sustainable Development
As Obiajulu looks to the future, she is determined to continue advocating for equity and inclusion within her academic community at the University of Toronto and beyond. Her plans include contributing to initiatives like the “Building Black Success Through Design” program, forming support groups for students with ADHD, and collaborating with faculty to promote accessibility and inclusivity.
“Progress does not begin and end with the success of a single individual,” she notes. “In order to produce tangible and impactful social change, the people within a community must be both prioritized and engaged with in a manner that is genuine to their experiences.”
Her vision for the future of sustainable development through architecture is one where design reflects the real world, shaped by the diverse experiences and perspectives of those who inhabit it.
“Truly equitable design can only be realized through the input of the people it seeks to serve,” she says.
Whether through mentorship, accessible education, or leadership initiatives, Obiajulu is committed to fostering a more inclusive and equitable society through sustainable development.
Empowering the Next Generation
As one of the first recipients of the I.D.E.A.L. Scholarship, Obiajulu is acutely aware of the responsibility she carries to pave the way for the next generation of leaders in STEM. She plans to leverage her experiences and skills to mentor young women of colour interested in pursuing careers in STEM fields.
“Most of the opportunities I have been graced with throughout my short career as a student have come from the grace and benevolence of those around me,” she explains. “I prioritize helping people in my surrounding environments who may still be in pursuit of my current position or successes.”
Her commitment to “paying it forward” includes maintaining a scholarship directory to assist high school students in their search for financial support, as well as providing coaching for scholarship applications. Through her work with initiatives like the University of Toronto’s “Building Black Success Through Design” program, Obiajulu hopes to empower the next generation of designers and architects, ensuring that they, too, have access to opportunities and support.
A Call to Action
Ignite the bio-economy’s brainpower by empowering the next generation of diverse leaders. Learn how you can apply for or support the I.D.E.A.L. Scholarship and help drive meaningful change in STEM.
