Empower, Inspire, Transform: Dedicated to Community, Inclusion, and Advocacy - Alumni Profile: Mary Ogenyi-Igoche (BSW '24, BA)

Program of Study: Bachelor of Social Work (Minor in Psychology), Class of 2024

Current Role: Founder & Principal Consultant, Ubuntu Worldwide Immigration Consulting Inc. | Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC-IRB) & Registered Social Worker (RSW)

For Mary Ogenyi-Igoche, community and inclusion lie at the heart of everything she does. As an international student navigating a new country and university system, Mary turned her personal journey into a commitment to serve others throughout her five years at Algoma University.

During her time on campus, Mary made a lasting impact through active leadership:

Black Student Association: She actively brought Black students together to build connection, mutual support, and a deep sense of belonging and representation across campus.
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI): Serving as an EDI Student Administrative Assistant, Mary helped champion key university-wide initiatives that promoted equity, inclusion, and representation.
Food Security Initiatives: Understanding the real-world economic pressures faced by her peers, she volunteered at the university’s food pantry to ensure accessible food assistance for students experiencing insecurity.

“These experiences strengthened my commitment to advocacy, community building, and equity, while deepening my understanding of how collective action and practical support build a more supportive community.”

Lessons from Algoma: Indigenous Teachings & Mentorship

Algoma University provided Mary with a rigorous foundation in social justice, systemic barriers, and cultural humility. Her worldview was profoundly shaped by the Indigenous teachings integrated into her social work education, particularly the Seven Grandfather Teachings. Listening to Elders share their experiences regarding the Sixties Scoop and the residential school system on the site of the former Shingwauk Residential School left an indelible mark, instilling in her the necessity of culturally grounded, compassionate practice.

Her academic trajectory was also guided by key faculty members, including Professor Marissa Ross, whose Academic Writing course and writing lab sessions helped Mary discover her voice and confidence as a writer, a skill she relies on daily in her advocacy and consulting work.

Equipped with these core values and academic preparation, Mary was ready to translate her education into immediate professional action and ongoing study.

A Journey of Lifelong Learning & Impact

Since graduating in April 2024, Mary has rapidly expanded her credentials and professional reach:

Postgraduate Diploma in Immigration & Citizenship Law: Completed through Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario.
Graduate Studies: Currently pursuing a Master of Clinical Social Work at the University of Calgary (specializing in Community-Informed Practice for Health and Well-being, expected completion April 2027).
Community Leadership: Actively contributes to outreach and programming with the African Caribbean Canadian Association of Northern Ontario Parents, Caregivers & Guardians (ACCANO PCGs).

Founding Ubuntu Worldwide Immigration Consulting Inc.

Building directly on her academic foundation and social work expertise, Mary decided to channel her passion for advocacy into entrepreneurship. In September 2024, just days before her scheduled induction with her second baby, she took a leap of faith and launched Ubuntu Worldwide Immigration Consulting Inc.

Today, she balances motherhood, graduate studies, and entrepreneurship, providing holistic, culturally responsive immigration support to individuals and families across Canada and internationally. Her firm specializes in helping international graduates, including many fellow Algoma alumni, transition from Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP) to permanent residency and citizenship.

Mary’s commitment to excellence has earned Ubuntu Worldwide Immigration Consulting Inc. back-to-back Platinum Awards in the Best Lawyer and Immigration Lawyers categories through Community Votes Sault Ste. Marie in both 2025 and 2026.

Staying Connected & Giving Back to Algoma

Living in Sault Ste. Marie allows Mary to maintain a strong ongoing relationship with the Algoma University community. She continues to seek guidance from campus mentors while actively supporting current students and international alumni.

Building on the success and recognition of her growing business, Mary chose to convert her professional achievement into direct support for the next generation. In a full-circle moment on October 22, 2026, Ubuntu Worldwide Immigration Consulting Inc. contributed directly to Algoma University’s John R. Rhodes Scholarship, the very same scholarship Mary received as a student in 2022.

“Contributing to the scholarship is my way of giving back to a community that invested in my growth. It is an opportunity to help create similar possibilities for future students.”

Words of Wisdom for Current Students

“You are the light you seek.”

“My own journey has taught me the importance of believing in myself, embracing my lived experiences, and having the courage to pursue my dreams even when the timing is not perfect. As an immigrant who came to Canada as an international student, I know what it means to start over and navigate uncertainty. You don’t need to have your entire life figured out before taking the next step. Make the most of your time at Algoma—build meaningful relationships, seek mentors, and remember that your education is not only an opportunity to build a future for yourself, but also a tool to make a difference in others’ lives.”