Brandeis Scholar Creates Uplifting Spaces for Students of Color
Efosa Ologbosere, a junior at Brandeis University on the pre-law track, is turning her passion for community engagement into meaningful change—creating spaces that uplift and empower Black students on campus. Her journey, however, didn’t begin with immediate involvement. When Efosa first arrived at Brandeis, she intentionally gave herself time to adjust.
“I didn’t really do anything outside of class my freshman year—and that is so okay,” she reflects. “There’s this idea that you have to jump into college and immediately be a changemaker, but I didn’t start until my sophomore year. By then, I understood my environment and could clearly see the gaps I wanted to address.”
That clarity took shape during her sophomore year, when Efosa was selected for both the Samuels Scholars Program and the Rich/Collins Community Leadership and Impact Fellowship. Through these experiences, she developed the tools to approach leadership with intention and strategy.
“Those programs taught me how to identify what a community truly needs and how to be patient in creating change,” she says. “It’s easy to talk about what you want to accomplish—but understanding the steps to get there is what really matters.”
It’s easy to talk about what you want to accomplish—but understanding the steps to get there is what really matters.
With growing confidence, Efosa began to take action. She recognized a need for stronger representation on campus—particularly spaces that centered and celebrated the experiences of Black students.
Her first major initiative, Love, Black Men, was a photography exhibit that combined visual storytelling and personal narratives to highlight the voices and individuality of Black male students.
“It was a platform for them to share their stories and perspectives,” she says. “I was incredibly proud to bring it to life.”
The exhibit resonated deeply with the campus community. After being displayed in the Usdan Student Center for several months, it was permanently installed in the university library—a lasting testament to its impact. Building on that momentum, Efosa recently organized Legally Black, a panel discussion featuring Black legal professionals from across the Boston area. The event created space for honest conversations about navigating the legal field and the importance of representation.
“It’s so important to hear the lived experiences of people who look like you,” Efosa explains. “There’s something powerful about being in a room where people understand what you’re going through.”
To bring the panel together, she reached out to legal professionals of color and collaborated with campus organizations. The event featured leaders from across the legal field, including attorneys, public servants, and advocates, and was moderated by Jonathan Allen, cofounder and director of development at Leadership Brainery.
I want to be someone who provides resources, opportunities, and clarity.
Despite her preparation, Efosa admits she was nervous stepping into a speaking role.
“I had never spoken in front of such a large group before,” she says. “But afterward, people stayed, connected, and kept the conversation going—that was the whole point.”
The overwhelmingly positive response has affirmed her work and inspired her to continue creating opportunities for dialogue and connection on campus.
Looking ahead, Efosa plans to attend law school and pursue a career as a public defender—a path rooted in both personal inspiration and a deep sense of purpose.
“I grew up watching the news and court discussions with my dad,” she says. “I’m my father’s daughter—I adopted his enthusiasm. I realized early on that without knowledge of the legal system or proper representation, people are at a disadvantage. I want to be someone who provides resources, opportunities, and clarity.”
For Efosa, leadership is grounded in service—and her work reflects a clear mission: to build community, expand access, and ensure that every voice has the opportunity to be heard.
