Leisha Toory is an accomplished international BA Political Science graduate from Memorial University. Her commitment to fostering positive change and championing social justice has positioned her as a dynamic leader in menstrual equity, mental health advocacy, and youth engagement.

Founder of Period Priority Project
Leisha is the visionary behind the Period Priority Project, a groundbreaking initiative promoting menstrual equity across Canada. This project not only distributes menstrual products nationwide but also enhances menstrual health education for youth through handbooks, presentations, and podcasts. It is the first of its kind in Newfoundland and Labrador, setting a precedent for progressive menstrual equity initiatives in the region.

Advocacy and Leadership
Leisha's advocacy efforts have earned her prestigious nominations for the Human Rights Award, the City of St. John's Applause Civic Awards, and the YWCA's Circle of Distinction Award. She is also a proud recipient of the David Kirkland Student Leadership Award, recognizing her commitment to creating positive social impact.

Professional Development and Engagement
Leisha has attended key events such as the "Inclusive Child Care Oxfam Summit" in Ottawa, the "Equal Futures Network's Gender Equality Summit" in Yukon, and the "Atlantic Summer Institute's Youth Leadership Program" in Prince Edward Island, thanks to bursaries that have supported her continuous learning and development. Additionally, she received a bursary to attend Motivate Canada's ViaYouth Summit in Halifax, where she facilitated youth leadership activities.

Volunteering and Public Speaking
Since 2021, Leisha has worked as a Page in the Newfoundland and Labrador House of Assembly, deepening her understanding of governance as did her policy internship with the Minister's Office for Housing, Diversity and Inclusion. As the National Volunteer Week Ambassador for the Community Sector Council NL, she advocates for volunteerism and community service. She has also served as a guest speaker at the Volunteer Connections Conference with Volunteer Canada and as a panelist for Free Periods Canada's workshop on gender justice and at Municipalities NL's "Leadership Summit." As a delegate for Equal Voice of Newfoundland and Labrador's Future of the Vote, Leisha was invited to the Governor General's Symposium on Building a Safe and Respectable Digital World.

Leisha has volunteered extensively at over 10 organizations such as Canadian Institute for the Blind, St. John’s Farmers’ Market, Student Volunteer Bureau, YWCA, Association for New Canadians, I Love Me Campaign, Cystic Fibrosis Canada, Alzheimer’s Society, Let’s Stop AIDS, and Memorial University Art Club, inter-alia.

Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR)
In her role as the Director of the Sexual Health Project within the Young Canadians Roundtable on Health, she was invited to the parliamentary breakfast for Sexual Health Week, highlighting the importance of these discussions at the national level. She also served on the Board of Directors for the SRHR Hubs.

International Consultancy and Advocacy

Since July 2024, Leisha has been a consultant with both the United Nations Research Institute for Social Development and the United Nations Institute for Training and Research, contributing her expertise to global development initiatives. Additionally, she is a dedicated member of the Amnesty Canada Gender Rights Specialized Team, where she actively supports efforts to advance gender rights both in Canada and globally.

Publications

Leisha has authored over 25 publications in both local and national papers such as CBC, Toronto Star, Saltwire Network, Memorial University Gazette, sharing her insights on social justice and advocacy. Additionally, she has contributed a scholarly article to the Canadian Journal of Public Health which contitutes of the only scholarly article on period poverty in Canada, further demonstrating her expertise and commitment to public health issues.

Leisha's journey is a testament to the transformative power of volunteering and continuous learning. She is dedicated to challenging stereotypes, dismantling barriers, and exploring actionable strategies for youth engagement and retention in volunteerism. With a fervent commitment to social justice, Leisha strives to make a positive impact in her community and beyond.