From the president
Chekwube Okunowo is a formidable glocal activist, tackling inequalities through policy solutions and brave leadership. As a third-year International Relations major at Drew University, with minors in Economics and Law, Justice, and Society, she maintains a 4.0 GPA and dedicates 100 hours yearly to civic engagement. Chekwube's studies and practice in both the United States and Nigeria are guided by these ideas- reconciling differences through inclusive leadership, especially those concerning race, and championing policies that address social injustices. A distinguished scholar and practitioner, she is Chief of Staff in Student Government and chairs the Racial Justice Committee, a group devoted to empowering BIPOC students. Learning from Writing Wrongs, an advocacy journalism program, she communicates the stories of people of color and their struggles with racial inequalities in the Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania. Her leadership extends to Nigeria, where she founded the HashtagDearYouth Movement advocating for social justice for young people. As an intern for Ratio Legal Practitioners, Chekwube documented court proceedings in the courts in Abuja, Nigeria. Chekwube Okunowo is a force for thoughtful change, inspiring others through her leadership and commitment to promoting equity.
Personal Statement
I am passionate about improving my community. As the chair of the Racial Justice Committee (RJC), I facilitate committee meetings, communicate with stakeholders, and work with ethnic and cultural organizations to address the resource gap for students of color on campus. As committee leader, I've prioritized inclusivity. This entails regular updates on all emails, sensitivity, and efficient work delegation. This fall, RJC's Heritage Month Initiative celebrated different writers and their works over heritage months. Since the pieces were to be shown at the library and bookshop, we had to get both departments on board. I and another member coordinated this correspondence. We used a Google form and paper surveys to find out what students wanted to read. This was handled by three other team members. To determine what was in stock and available for purchase, we had to review the data and consult with the library and bookstore. When two members sifted through the data, the library and bookshop gave us a certified list of what they offer. In February, we launched with Black History Month. It's an understatement to say I'm proud of our progress.