Today we’d like to introduce you to Tooba Dawood

Hi Tooba, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?

My journey in the social impact space began from a deeply personal place. Growing up, I faced significant challenges, including transitioning out of an abusive environment into a period where I was without stable housing. During this transitional phase, I embarked on a period at a women’s temporary housing facility in Aurora, Ontario, where I encountered individuals experiencing homelessness and heard their stories. Some were escaping forced marriages, others had fled their homelands to pursue an education in Canada, and many were on a journey to reclaim their self-worth after enduring prolonged abuse and trauma. These stories deeply resonated with me and highlighted the pervasive lack of support systems for youth facing similar challenges. While this was an immensely difficult period in my life, it also became a time of profound reflection and growth. I realized that if I could navigate and overcome these obstacles, I could use my experiences to support others in similar situations. This realization ignited my passion for social impact and inspired me to take meaningful action.

Building on my early mentorship experiences, I sought to further advance my impact by expanding my work into the broader social impact community. A key turning point in this journey was joining my first climate program. This experience opened doors for me to connect with a global network of changemakers who were equally passionate about driving social and environmental change. Through these connections, I began to understand the power of collaboration and the importance of leveraging resources to create sustainable impact. With a growing network and a deepening commitment to my cause, I worked tirelessly to secure funding for various community projects. Over time, I was able to secure over $20,000 in funding, which allowed me to launch and support initiatives aimed at addressing the needs of marginalized communities. These projects ranged from educational programs and creative workshops to community-driven environmental initiatives, all designed to empower youth and provide them with the tools they need to succeed.

As my journey in the social impact space progressed, I founded my first nonprofit organization, driven by a deep commitment to making a difference. While we achieved notable successes and had a significant impact, I eventually faced the difficult decision to dissolve the organization. This decision stemmed from a combination of burnout and the challenges of sustaining long-term support and resources. I was constantly juggling multiple opportunities, managing programs, participating in delegations, volunteering, and providing mentorship. My relentless pursuit of these activities led me to neglect a crucial aspect of my life—my own well-being.

To continue my efforts in giving back to the community that helped me overcome my past obstacles, I connected with youth from the programs and initiatives I had previously run. Through their feedback, I recognized the need for a stronger emphasis on community initiatives that create genuine connections and support. This realization led me to found Love & Help Heal, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering the Toronto community through givebacks, creative, and educational projects. The name was inspired by a poem I had written in my youth, which taught me the importance of love, help, and healing. My goal with Love & Help Heal is to run initiatives that support Toronto’s community while focusing on Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health and Well-Being. I aim to use these principles to uplift and support my city.

In 2023, I experienced several vital wake-up calls that made me realize the importance of prioritizing self-care. The relentless pace and the pressure to constantly be “on the go” took a toll on my health and effectiveness. Recognizing this, I understood that I needed to step back, reassess my priorities, and create a more sustainable approach to my work. Moving forward, I committed to integrating well-being into my advocacy efforts and being more mindful about accepting new opportunities. By learning to set boundaries and focus on my health, I aim to balance my passion for social impact with the need for personal sustainability.

These reflections also led to the creation of Social Impact Club, a new initiative that aims to build a community for changemakers, youth, and social impact advocates. My goal with this venture is to provide a space where individuals passionate about social change can connect, learn from each other, and find the genuine support and resources they need to thrive in their work.

I hope to continue making a positive impact on the lives of those who are driven to create change, while also prioritizing sustainability and self-care in my approach to leadership. My journey has taught me the importance of resilience, adaptability, and the power of community, and I’m excited to see how this new chapter unfolds.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?

My journey in the social impact space has been far from smooth. One of the major struggles I faced was feeling unwelcomed and overlooked in certain spaces.

However, these challenges were not unique to me. Through connecting with the community, I realized that many other youth face similar struggles and feelings of being sidelined. Hearing their stories and experiences reinforced that these issues are widespread, and it became clear that I was not alone in this journey.

These challenges also fueled my resolve to make a difference. They helped me understand the importance of inclusivity and representation. I realized that my experiences of being sidelined motivated me to work even harder to ensure that diverse voices are heard and spotlighted. I am now more driven than ever to create opportunities and support for those who, like me, may feel marginalized or overlooked.

This perspective has been instrumental in shaping my current initiatives, including Love & Help Heal, Social Impact Club and “Thrive with Tooba.” I am committed to working with diverse voices, amplifying their stories, and providing the support they need to thrive. My goal is to use my experiences to advocate for a more inclusive and equitable social impact space, where everyone has the chance to be recognized and valued.

From my experience, I’ve learned that making a meaningful impact is not a sprint but a marathon. This understanding helps me trust the process, keep my head down, and continue working hard, knowing that progress, despite the struggles life may bring, takes time and persistence.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?

I’m deeply committed to driving social change and empowering the next generation through a multifaceted approach that includes youth mentorship, social impact initiatives, and non-profit work. My work primarily revolves around connecting with youth both virtually and in-person, offering guidance on their social impact projects, and providing valuable resources such as funding sources and project management expertise.

In my role, I address gaps in community support with innovative solutions and collaborate with various non-profits to identify and tackle these gaps. By participating in Canada-wide and global social impact programs, I continuously seek to expand my impact and stay connected with a broader network of changemakers. My decade-long journey in this field has exposed me to both the challenges and triumphs of advocacy—from managing my mental health while supporting others to navigating less-than-genuine mentorship experiences. These insights fuel my dedication to breaking down barriers and creating real opportunities for youth.

What sets me apart is my commitment to providing authentic mentorship and create meaningful connections. I focus on supporting youth at all stages of their social impact journey, whether they are new to the field or already actively engaged. My goal is to help individuals grow, answer their questions, and collaborate on impactful initiatives. Connect with me on LinkedIn, join one of the community initiatives I host, or reach out if you’re looking for collaboration opportunities. My aim is to provide genuine support and help you make a significant difference in your community.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?

There have been several individuals who have played a crucial role in my journey, but one key figure has been my partner. From the very beginning, he has provided immense support and guidance. He helped me navigate the transition from a challenging period in my life, offering invaluable insights into self-love and personal growth.

His role extended beyond emotional support, as he instilled in me essential practices for maintaining well-being while pursuing my goals. This balance has been vital as I juggle the demands of driving social impact with personal self-care.

In addition to offering emotional and practical support, his expertise in business, financial management, and marketing has been instrumental. He has equipped me with the tools and knowledge needed to manage my growth and the development of my initiatives effectively. His strategic input has been crucial in shaping my approach to running non-profits and social impact projects.

His endless support has allowed me to focus on my mission of empowering youth and driving social change, knowing that I have a strong ally by my side. This involvement has significantly enhanced both my personal growth and the success and sustainability of my work in the social impact space.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivewithtooba