Leadership

Student leaders creating space to thrive

Our leaders come from different countries, cultures, and lived experiences across the African continent and its global diaspora. Together, they bring diverse perspectives, shared purpose, and a deep commitment to building community, celebrating culture, and supporting one another at University of Michigan.

Meet the 2026-2027 Executive Board

Kehinde Sowunmi

Co-President

Department

PhD in Germanic Languages and Literatures

Hometown

Ogun State/Nigeria

Favorite African Proverb

Àgbájọ ọwọ́ la fi ń sọ̀yà; àjèjì ọwọ́ kan kò gbé ẹrù dé orí.

'Putting of hands together (solidarity) is required for growth; as one hand cannot adequately lift a load to the head'. A further extension of the ‘Ubuntu’ proverb: I am because we are.

Laston Manja

Co-President

Department

PhD in Economics

Hometown

Blantyre, Malawi

Favorite African Proverb

Mutu umodzi susenza denga.

One head does not carry the roof.

Oluwaseun Oyindamola Ogunleye

Vice President

Department

PhD in Educational Studies

Marsal Family School of Education

Hometown

Nigeria

Favorite African Proverb

Ibi tí a bá pè lórí, a kì í fi tẹ̀lẹ̀.

Whatever you name as the head, you don’t tread the floor with it.

Kambi Gathesha

Treasurer

Department

PhD in History

Hometown

Nairobi, Kenya

Favorite African Proverb

Haraka Haraka Haina Baraka

Haste, haste has no blessing

Georgina A. Stephanie

Co-Secretary

Department

PhD in Chemical Engineering

Hometown

Kisumu & Nairobi, Kenya

Favorite African Proverb

Ng'ama wie ber ok lau duk bang' janeko m’o kwalo lawe

Imagine you are bathing by a river. A madman runs by, grabs your clothes, and dashes off. If you react out of sheer panic and anger, you will sprint after him into the marketplace. People won’t know who’s the mad one between the two of you.