top gyal ah di month | NOVEMBER

At Gyallivant, we believe in uplifting the Black Women and Women of Colour who are making a difference, whether in their careers, communities, or personal lives. Our Top Gyal series shines a spotlight on these inspiring women, highlighting their journeys, accomplishments, and the impact they’re having on those around them. Each month, we feature a new Top Gyal nominated by our community, sharing her story to motivate and uplift others.

This month, we’re proud to feature Tenisha Noel as our Top Gyal! A first-generation trailblazer and advocate for justice and racial equity, Tenisha’s passion lies in empowering youth and creating pathways to success. Through her roles at Afrika Outbound and the One City Scholarship Fund, she’s dedicated to educating and supporting young people. She’s also launching her platform, TrailblazerTenisha, to inspire and guide others on their personal and professional journeys. Stay tuned as we dive deeper into her inspiring story!

————

What is your favourite self-care or wellness activity?

My favorite self-care activity is a mix of reading, yoga, and spending time with friends and family. Reading helps me relax, yoga keeps me grounded, and being with loved ones is the perfect way to recharge.

What inspired you to pursue the work you're doing, and what drives you to keep pushing forward?

What inspired me to pursue this work is my deep commitment to justice and the desire to make a meaningful impact in the lives of marginalized communities, especially racialized youth. Growing up with the challenges of systemic discrimination and witnessing the resilience of my family, I knew I wanted to use my voice to create positive change. The youth are our future, and we need to invest more in them to see real change and combat injustice. What drives me to keep pushing forward is the belief that we can build more equitable systems, provide opportunities, and empower the next generation to overcome obstacles and succeed.

What challenges have you faced along the way, and how have they shaped the person you are today?

The challenges I’ve faced have deeply shaped who I am today. One pivotal moment was in grade 12 when my principal accused me of "stealing opportunities," which was painful because everything I achieved was through hard work, merit, and being selected fairly. That experience taught me to turn adversity into motivation. My mantra became a problem yesterday is an opportunity today, and I lived it by winning the most awards and scholarships at my virtual graduation in 2020, despite the barriers.

Growing up in a lower-income area, I witnessed how many of my marginalized friends were encouraged to settle for less, like applying to college instead of university, based solely on their skin color. I also experienced racial profiling, being stopped in stores and judged unfairly. These moments, combined with limited resources at the time, pushed me to live up to the name others gave me—trailblazer.

Through my journey, I’ve conducted research on racial profiling and gender-based biases within the Toronto Police Service and how these intersect with socio-economic factors to impact Black youth. I also created a leadership development program with a grant from Weston Frontlines to cultivate tomorrow’s leaders. These experiences have driven me to advocate for Black youth and marginalized communities, teaching others how to create their opportunities and empowering them to become changemakers. Every challenge I’ve faced has fueled my passion for breaking barriers and building pathways for others to thrive.

What advice would you give to other Black Women/Women of Colour looking to make an impact in their communities?

My advice to other Black women and women of color looking to make an impact in their communities is this: don’t wait for opportunities to find you—create your own, and do it in collaboration with your community. Embrace your power to be the change we need in society. By taking the lead today, you’re paving the way for future generations to thrive. Your voice, your ideas, and your action can transform challenges into progress and inspire others to rise alongside you.