Our vision
The Kofo Collective for Black Women at the University of Oxford seeks to serve the unique needs of black women at the university through a lens of inclusion, diversity, and engagement. The group centers three pillars of engagement: mentorship, social cohesion, and discussion-based events with members of and outside of the Oxford community.
Lady Kofoworola Abeni Ademola
And Her Legacy at the University of Oxford
In 1935, Lady Kofoworola (Kofo) Abeni Ademola became the first African woman to gain a degree from Oxford. The Kofo Collective seeks to pay homage to the path trail blazed by Lady Kofo and the broader impact that black women have had on this campus.
First Pillar of Engagement: Mentorship
To Actively Engage Undergraduate and Graduate Students
Sign-up for our mentorship program that pairs undergraduate and graduate women together in symbiotic partnerships here. Email the Mentorship Chair with any questions or concerns at kofocollective.mentorshipchair@gmail.com.
Second Pillar of Engagement: Social Cohesion
To Support the Wellbeing of Black Women
The experiences of black women at Oxford can be isolating due to the lack of resources for an underrepresented group that often experiences gendered and racialized microaggressions on campus. Check out our Fresher's Guide and explore the 'Events' section. We prioritize activities related to self-care and the exploration of the diverse and intersectional identities of black femmes.
Third Pillar of Engagement: Critical Engagement
To Explore the Issues Pertinent to Black Women
Lastly, the critical engagement pillar is focused on events of a more political or academic nature. We love collaborating with other organizations on campus. Please email the President (kofocollective.president@gmail.com) with any requests for collaboration.
Our Team
Our executive team strives to create inclusive, supportive spaces with fellow black women.
Mary Paige Jiyani
President
kofocollective.president@gmail.com
Mary Paige is the first female Rhodes Scholar from Malawi currently reading for an MPhil in Law. In addition to her work for the Kofo Collective, Mary Paige is Junior Dean at Balliol College, General Secretary of the Oxford Pole Sports Society and Graduate Convener of the Property Law Discussion Group. Mary Paige loves to dance, and is excited to meet and connect with the black community in Oxford. She hopes that the Kofo Collective can provide a lasting and supportive space to combat Oxford’s pervasive lack of diversity.
Nelisa Nchimunya Tebeka
Vice President: Finance
kofocollective.financechair@gmail.com
Nelisa is a Rhodes Scholar from Zambia currently reading for a DPhil in Physiology at Wolfson College. In the past year, she served as Treasurer of the African Society at Oxford Uni, and actively engaged with various clubs and organisations that work towards the cultural awareness and the social wellbeing of students. Before studying in Oxford, Nelisa Pursued her MSc in Marine Microbiology at the Max Planck Institute In Germany. When she is not working on her DPhil research, Nelisa enjoys dubbing into various hobbies like fashion, jumping on cheap planes to visit new places around Europe and attending political conferences within or outside the UK. Nelisa hopes that members of the Kofo collective will find a home and space of comfort within the community.
Jolynne Mokaya
General Secretary
kofocollective.secretary@gmail.com
Jolynne Mokaya is a Leverhulme Mandela Rhodes scholar from Kenya. She is currently reading for a DPhil in Clinical Medicine, affiliated with the Nuffield Department of Medicine and is a member of Hertford college. Jolynne is a Clinical Epidemiologist and a Registered Nurse. She has interest in health research, African history, poetry and culinary art. She enjoys hiking and currently serves as a Social Secretary of the Oxford University Walking Club. Jolynne is passionate about making connections with people from a place of love
Mikayla Sinclair
Alumnae Development Chair
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