Alasoba Kelsy-Braide
Alasoba Kelsy-Braide (class of 2020) came to Canada from Nigeria as an international student in 2017 to attend Georgian’s Child and Youth Care program. Arriving with her two children, Alasoba hit the ground running in dedicating herself to her studies and as a driving force for good in the community.
In addition to her studies and her family, Alasoba began joining and building communities both in and out of school. First, she successfully ran for the Georgian College Students’ Association (GCSA) and was elected Vice President of Community Engagement and would organize the first Black History Awareness Week at the Orillia Campus. Reaching beyond the campus, Alasoba continued to create a sense of place by connecting with the County of Simcoe through a Community Impact Project, as well as volunteering at the Calvary Pentecostal Tabernacle in Orillia to help lift others up.
Thriving as a changemaker and immersing herself in the community, Alasoba expanded the reach of her work through Facebook. In 2021, she created the Orillia Black Community group, allowing Black families to connect with one another and share resources.
“Five years ago, I came to Canada with one suitcase and I made Simcoe County my home. I didn’t know a soul,” reflected Alasoba. “A couple of people helped me, and I’m grateful for that. I do this because I think people need my help.”
Her herculean energy, passion, and commitment have not gone unnoticed. The County of Simcoe recognized Alasoba at the 10th Annual Newcomer Recognition Awards with the Community Champion Award in October 2022.
Currently, Alasoba is a support worker with Empower Simcoe, and a member of Making Change Simcoe County. Supporting multicultural events, including the first virtual Black History Month celebrations in Orillia, Alasoba has also initiated and led a recommendation to the city for an advisory committee, which resulted in her co-founding, and is currently serving as a member of Orillia’s EDI Development Group. Their next goal is bringing a multicultural festival to the city in the future. Incredibly, in addition to all of her commitments, Alasoba is also on the Director on the board of Making Change, a non-profit led by Black women. Embodying the objectives of Making Change, Alasoba is truly sparking broad community interest and fostering conversations around inclusion and diversity, knitting together people of all walks of life, and fostering a sense of community and belonging.
