Ramla Elmi, a bachelor of business administration student at York University’s Schulich School of Business who is graduating at Spring Convocation, has received a national award for her contributions to equity in education and her support of fellow students.
Elmi has been named a recipient of the Onyx Scholar Award, which celebrates Canadian post-secondary students who demonstrate strong leadership, community engagement and commitment to supporting Black student success.
The award is presented annually by the Onyx Initiative, a Toronto-based non-profit founded in 2020 to address systemic barriers faced by Black Canadian students and recent graduates entering the corporate workforce. It works with a range of organizations and post-secondary partners to advance its goals.
Elmi distinguished herself through a combination of professional ambition and campus leadership. She has served as co-president of the Schulich Black Students Association and as head of events for the Somali Students Association at York – roles through which she has worked to create community and advocate for student engagement and empowerment.
She first joined the Onyx Iniative as a scholar in 2022, drawn to its mission to improve Black representation in corporate Canada. When an opportunity arose to become an Onyx ambassador on campus, she embraced it as a chance to give back and help others succeed. She led events, presentations and outreach efforts to support fellow students, building relationships within York's Black student community
“It really does solve the issue of diversity being represented in the corporate world – specifically for Black students,” she said. “It’s needed to close that systemic gap in corporate Canada and it was the first time I found a program that solves that specific issue by making students feel more supported and get the help needed to succeed.”
Through the program, Elmi was offered personal and professional development opportunities, including mentorship and coaching, as well as access to experiential education through internship opportunities. She joined Mackenzie Investments as an IT risk intern, where she applied her skills and knowledge from her Schulich program – and is now in full-time position as a cybersecurity analyst.
Elmi’s recognition reflects the impact of her efforts to foster equity, representation and student achievement. As she continues to build her career, she remains committed to creating opportunities for others and supporting the next generation of student leaders.