Revolutionizing The Spaces We Occupy
You belong in every space you enter.
Our Vision
Born from the power of Somali girls and young women, Gashanti has grown into a space for whole communities — families, young men, boys, and all those navigating life at the intersection of identity, culture, and belonging. We believe that when any one of us is able to fully occupy the spaces around us, all of us are strong.
Our Mission
Gashanti builds collective space and voice through research, community engagement, and a workshop series centred on mental health, family dynamics, and well-being. Rooted in Somali and racialized diaspora experience, our work welcomes youth, men, women, boys, girls, and families — because real community transformation happens when everyone has a seat.
Where It Counts
Through research, a workshop series, and deep community engagement, we build the expertise and relationships needed to advocate where it counts — in school boards, government tables, and the institutions that shape our lives.
Your Potential Deserves Recognition.
Celebrate your story with us.
I first became connected to Gashanti as a participant and later returned as a volunteer. Even as my life has changed, I have continued to reach out when I need guidance, support, or simply a place to reconnect. Gashanti has always felt like a community where I can come back, be myself, and know that someone will listen without judging me.”
— Former participant / current volunteer, Various programs
“
The conversation about anxiety and mental health felt relaxed and non-judgmental. It did not make us feel like something was wrong with us or that we were being lectured. Having approachable facilitators who looked like us and understood some of our experiences made it easier to participate, ask questions, and speak honestly about stress, anxiety, and the pressures young Black men face.”
— Youth participant, Retooling Black Anxiety
Read more about the connected project:
Retooling Black Anxiety Research Project
“
Taking part in the mental health workshop series gave us time to learn about anxiety, emotional well-being, and ways to take care of ourselves. The sessions were welcoming, interactive, and easy to understand. Gashanti created a discreet and respectful space where we could ask questions, participate without pressure, and share only what we felt comfortable sharing."
— Participant, TCHC Tenant Youth Mental Health Workshop Series