Dr. Irene Fakankun Re-Elected to University of Manitoba Board of Governors
The votes have been counted, and UM alumni have re-elected Dr. Irene Fakankun [PhD/21] to serve a second term on the University of Manitoba Board of Governors.
Fakankun holds a PhD in Biosystems Engineering from the University of Manitoba, where she began her journey as an international student and young mother. Since graduating in 2021, she has remained deeply connected to the UM community, serving as an instructor in the Department of Chemistry and volunteering on the Board’s Advancement and Senate Committees.
During her first term (2022–2025), Fakankun deliberated on and contributed to many meaningful conversations in guiding the university through critical initiatives, including advancing reconciliation, equity, anti-racism, and anti-ableism. She also contributed to the implementation of the Anti-Racism Task Force’s recommendations and the development of the university’s new brand positioning and strategic plan. She is actively engaged on the Alumni Council as well, and she cares deeply about alumni engagement and the reputation of the University.
“As a volunteer on the Advancement committee, I’m proud of UM’s work in developing the UM Brand Positioning and Strategic plan,” she said. “I feel privileged to have been one of the members who oversaw the ‘What kind of Bison are you?’ campaign.”
Drawing from her experience as both a student and instructor at UM, she brings a nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the university community. Her leadership philosophy is grounded in empathy and perspective.
“My perspective is forged from the lens of a woman in engineering, a parent pursuing a degree, an international student, and a woman of colour,” she said. “I also value the opportunity to have worked at UM as an instructor, as I understand firsthand our class sizes, the workload balances our instructors and sessionals have, the beauty of student-teacher relationships, and the joy of seeing students succeed.”
In her second term, Fakankun is committed to continuing her governance and oversight duties while ensuring UM stays aligned with its long-term goals. She remains focused on promoting academic freedom and advancing equity, inclusion, and reconciliation.
“Governance is a cruise ship, not a speedboat,” she said. “It takes grit, heart, and hope to lead effectively.”
Outside of her work with the Board, Fakankun serves as a leader in the Government of Manitoba, where she currently manages the Biofuels portfolio within the Department of Environment and Climate Change. Her diverse background includes roles in the Department of Agriculture, the Treasury Board Secretariat, and teaching appointments at the University of Winnipeg and Providence University College. She is also an active community volunteer, contributing to causes through her church, data analysis for non-profits, and co-hosting a family-focused group.
A published scientist and former Soapbox Science presenter, Fakankun is passionate about mentorship, public engagement, and building inclusive academic spaces. She previously founded Schooling Moms, an online community dedicated to supporting student-parents navigating higher education.
“I want to thank every alum who voted and elected me for a second term,” she said. “It is my privilege to serve, and I hope to connect with more alumni this term. I truly believe if you want to transform your life, be a part of transforming your community for the better.”
Fakankun will serve as the Board of Governors alumni representative for another three-year term beginning June 1, 2025.