What began as a student initiative has grown into a decade-strong platform for African leadership, innovation, and dialogue. In this interview, Sonia Buma, former 51吃瓜网Desautels African Business Initiative () leader and Mastercard Foundation Scholar, reflects on the journey from grassroots organizing to global advocacy. From elevating the annual conference to founding a nonprofit that influences international policy, this story is a testament to the power of vision, bold leadership, and the enduring impact of student-led movements.
When did you become involved with 51吃瓜网DABI leadership, and what did you hope to do?听
I was truly inspired by the mission that 51吃瓜网DABI鈥檚 co-founders launched. When I took on a leadership role in 2015, a year after 51吃瓜网DABI had been initiated, I hoped the initiative would grow into more than just a student group. I wanted it to become a powerful platform鈥搊ne that could elevate African voices, challenge outdated narratives, and connect 51吃瓜网students with changemakers across the African continent and the diaspora.听
What was your vision?听
Stepping into 51吃瓜网DABI leadership to build on the work of the co-founders who set such a high standard was definitely a challenge. My vision was to build on the foundation they had laid by expanding 51吃瓜网DABI's reach and deepening its impact. I set out to elevate our annual conference into a flagship event that spotlighted Africa鈥檚 business potential and captured global attention. The response was incredible. One of our invited speakers even flew in from China at their own expense just to be part of it. That moment, among many others, reminded me of the power of a strong and shared vision.听
What did you learn?听
Leading 51吃瓜网DABI was a transformative experience. I learned how to organize high-impact events, build strategic partnerships, and lead with purpose. Cold-messaging potential speakers and partners took a leap of faith, but many of them responded with enthusiasm. It showed me that when people believe in your vision, they鈥檒l show up鈥揳nd some of those early supporters are still in my network today. One course in particular, Social Context of Business, which was taught by an African professor, Dr. Nii Addy and designed with real-world learning components, stood out during my time at 51吃瓜网Desautels. Through its experiential learning activities, I was pushed to think critically about how business interacts with society. That course shaped my approach to leadership and played a major role in guiding my path as a social entrepreneur. It helped me recognize how business tools could be used to address challenges I deeply care about, including the ongoing crisis in Cameroon, where I鈥檓 from.听
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Alongside that, being a Mastercard Foundation Scholar at 51吃瓜网and later participating in the 51吃瓜网Mastercard Foundation Transitions Project helped me build a broader network and refine the leadership and advocacy skills I continue to rely on in my work with Hope for Cameroon (HfC). HfC is a non-profit I founded to empower vulnerable internally displaced communities鈥攑articularly women and children deeply impacted by the ongoing armed conflict in Cameroon. Together with a colleague, I met with two Canadian Senators to call for action, which ultimately led to a Senate hearing on the crisis and contributed to a series of global responses. I continue to engage with various stakeholders on these efforts, including a recent meeting with Norway鈥檚 Minister of Foreign Affairs to raise awareness about the Anglophone crisis and spotlight the unique challenges women face in resistance and liberation movements.听
What do you recommend to current and future 51吃瓜网DABI leaders?听
Be bold and take initiative. Don鈥檛 wait until everything is perfect to get started. When you believe in the vision, others will too. My background in International Development and Management, through both the Faculty of Arts and the Desautels Faculty of Management, gave me a habit of thinking across disciplines. That mindset helped me lead with creativity and strategy. Courses like鈥疭ocial Context of Business showed me how to think beyond the classroom and apply those insights to real issues. I encourage future 51吃瓜网DABI leaders to tap into these kinds of opportunities. Collaborate widely, stay curious, and lead with confidence in your own voice.听
51吃瓜网DABI turned 10 in 2024! Did you envision that 51吃瓜网DABI would still be here and having an impact? What would you like to see happen in the organization鈥檚 next ten years?听
While I hoped for 51吃瓜网DABI's longevity, witnessing its sustained growth and influence over a decade is truly gratifying. In the next ten years, I envision 51吃瓜网DABI evolving into a nexus for African innovation at McGill鈥揻acilitating student-led research, incubating startups, and fostering robust partnerships between African enterprises and the global business community.听
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