Woodsworth College Shining National Scholar, Voke Ewhrudjakpor

Voke Ewhrudjakpor knew when she was in high school in Winnipeg, Manitoba, that she wanted to study Global Health. The University of Toronto was one of the only schools that offered the undergraduate program and with its great reputation she set her sights on Toronto.

In 2021, Voke was a recipient of the National Scholarship, UofT’s most prestigious award. It is given to Canadian high school students and recognizes original and creative thinkers, community leaders, and high academic achievers. Voke came to the University of Toronto that fall and is now in her fourth year. From living in residence, to joining the varsity track and field team to leading clubs and participating in student government, Voke has taken every opportunity to get involved, find her community and make an impact at UofT. 

Voke has been an executive member of the Black Doctors of Tomorrow (BDOT) club, since her first year and is currently the co-president. BDOT is a premedical organization for Black students that works to create community among Black life sciences students and supports them in their pursuit of careers in healthcare. In the past, they have worked with the Community of Support at the Temerty Faculty of Medicine and have hosted a fireside chat, such as one they hosted about the Black STEM learner experience. This year they plan to continue to partner with the Community of Support and the Fort York Food Bank, and they aspire to create volunteerism and networking opportunities for Black pre-professional students who will be working with the community. 

BDOT is the only Black premedical organization at U of T and Voke and the executives are filling an important need to address underrepresentation in the healthcare field. It has also been a valuable professional development opportunity for Voke. She notes, “Working with BDOT, I have grown my interpersonal, leadership and public speaking skills.”

Voke has also impacted the UofT community in her various peer support roles. She worked as an Academic Mentor in the Academic Support for Athletes Program (ASAP), which provides formal academic support program for Varsity Blues student-athletes; was a Woodsworth College e-mentor, and is currently a peer tutor at Victoria College. She says, “I enjoy helping people by sharing things I’ve learned. I support students with the transition into first year life sciences, provide advice on how to manage studies while being a student athlete, and give tips on what to focus on. I am happy to help students with my experience so that they can succeed.”

As Voke finishes her degree, she is interested in equitable healthcare and policy, and hopes to attend medical school or complete a Master of Public Health degree. As she reflects on her time at UofT, she is thankful for the financial support she has received and how it has enabled her to get involved on campus and pursue her dreams: “I am very grateful for the scholarships I have received during my studies. The National Scholarship changed my life, and I was able to get involved on campus without the pressure of having to work many hours. Additional support I have received from Woodsworth College has progressed me towards the completion of my degree and led me closer to my dream of attending medical school.”