Siebel School Stories: Melissa Aninagyei-Bonsu finds purpose, leadership and community at CS

Over the past four years at the Siebel School of Computing and Data Science, Melissa Aninagyei-Bonsu has transformed uncertainty into leadership, mentorship and permanent impact. As a Computer Science major with a minor in Statistics, Aninagyei-Bonsu has seized every opportunity to grow academically, professionally and personally, while also helping build a stronger sense of community for others along the way.

Aninagyei-Bonsu's journey began with CS STARS, which led to undergraduate research in the Parasol Lab, directed by Nancy Amato, Abel Bliss professor and Siebel School of Computing and Data Science director. Through these experiences, she discovered her enthusiasm for making an impact through computer science and became more confident about her future in the field.

That growth has now led to one of the highest honors of her undergraduate experience: serving as the student speaker for the May 2026 commencement ceremony.

“I am incredibly honored and excited to serve as the commencement speaker,” Aninagyei-Bonsu said. “Being selected means so much to me, especially as I think about my journey and the many people who have supported me.”

As one of six Black undergraduate students graduating from Siebel, the role carries even deeper meaning for Aninagyei-Bonsu.

“I am proud to represent my community and serve as a reminder that we belong in these spaces, we are capable of succeeding here and our stories matter,” Aninagyei-Bonsu said.

Another defining part of Aninagyei-Bonsu’s college experience has been her leadership within B[U]ILT, an organization created from the merger of Blacks and African Americans in Computing (BAAC) and Latinos in Computer Science (LCS). Over the years, she served as social and marketing director, vice president and eventually president, helping transform the organization into a successful community of more than 70 active members across computer science, information sciences, data science, electrical and computer engineering and other technical disciplines.

Partnering with fellow student leaders, including Elisa Carrillo, Nathan Assefa, Adrian Lara, Lakeisha Bridges and Bolden Jones, Aninagyei-Bonsu focused on establishing a place where students could find academic support, professional development, mentorship and a feeling of belonging.

Before B[U]ILT, she experienced imposter syndrome and uncertainty about belonging in computer science. Through its community, that perspective changed.

“B[U]ILT gave me a community, lifelong friendships and the confidence to lead, mentor others, and take up space in rooms where I once seemed invisible,” Aninagyei-Bonsu said. “My time in B[U]ILT molded me into a stronger leader, a more confident student and someone strongly dedicated to opening doors for others.”

Aninagyei-Bonsu credits many fellow students for helping shape her experience, including current Vice President Bolden Jones, Treasurer Adrian Lara, External Director Alondra Gonzalez and Secretary Eduardo Morales, who have demonstrated commitment and leadership. She also emphasized the lasting influence of former President Elisa Carrillo, whose mentorship inspired her to pursue student leadership, and the late Nathan Assefa, whose vision and dedication continue to motivate the organization today.

In addition to her peers, support from faculty and staff also played a major role in Aninagyei-Bonsu’s success. She showed appreciation for the support of Senior Director of External Relations and Constituent Engagement Cynthia Coleman who helped B[U]ILT navigate organizational growth and promote its members; school director Nancy Amato who encouraged her to pursue research and graduate school; and research mentor Isaac Burton Love, whose direction and encouragement shaped her research path.

Aninagyei-Bonsu also recognized associate professor of computer science Colleen Lewis for her early support through the Broadening Participation in Computing Committee and senior program coordinator for Broadening Participation in Computing Carolyn Hughes for her mentorship through CS STARS.

While research and leadership were defining, her favorite memories came from simple, meaningful moments with friends.

“Some of my most meaningful moments happened in the B[U]ILT office — studying, planning events, sharing advice, and laughing with friends late into the night,” Aninagyei-Bonsu said. “Those moments reminded me that community is just as important as academics.”

As graduation approaches, Aninagyei-Bonsu says she will miss the Parasol Lab community, her mentors, the B[U]ILT family and the peers and supporters who formed her college experience.

After graduation, Aninagyei-Bonsu will move to San Francisco to begin a new chapter as a Software Engineer at Gusto, with plans to eventually seek a Master of Computer Science degree.

Looking back, Aninagyei-Bonsu is grateful for a community that gave her confidence and purpose.

“When I first arrived, I was unsure of where I belonged, but this community helped me find my say, my confidence and my purpose,” Aninagyei-Bonsu said. “I am proud of how far we have come, and I am excited to see how future students will continue to build on this legacy.”

Grainger Engineering Affiliations

Nancy Amato is an Illinois Grainger Engineering professor of computer science and is director of the Siebel School of Computing and Data Science. Nancy Amato holds the Abel Bliss professorship appointment.

Cynthia Coleman is an Illinois Grainger Engineering senior director of external relations and constituent engagement.

Colleen Lewis is an Illinois Grainger Engineering associate professor of computer science. 

Carolyn Hughes is an Illinois Grainger Engineering senior program coordinator broadening participation in computing (BPC).