…She/Her
Aisha, 2nd year Law Student & TOQi Fellow
Aisha from Halifax, Nova Scotia, recently relocated to Toronto during the COVID pandemic for law school. One year into her degree at the Lincoln Alexander’s Law School at Toronto University, she stumbled upon the TOQi Cannabis Amnesty Internship submission page on her school’s website. She described her initial interest in applying as found within the first paragraph of the information page, stating, “it checked all the boxes.” Aisha recalled her ties to political and social activism and eventually dedicated her career and life to establishing change as early as age 10. It began observing Illinois State Senator Barack Obama’s run for presidential office. Further intrigue continued to spark when Aisha started to look at Canada’s political climate. As a young child, Aisha asked ‘how is it fair’ concerning election structures, legislation implementation, and diverse representation.
When asked about what drew her to Cannabis Amnesty, Aisha stated, “[I]t came down to the work they do. It’s essential – supporting people who have had past convictions or have been charged with cannabis crimes. It really shouldn’t be an issue today. The fact these organizations are coming together to focus on systemic injustices and trying to create and build an approach to recognize marginalized communities having or that have had higher cannabis-related convictions was something I gravitated towards. The position also pays a living wage, and no one does that… The opportunities for mentorship that were discussed to build on skills are huge. I don’t usually have access to these networks as a marginalized person. I get to be paid reasonably, learn and have the support to grow.”
When asked, “what are you looking forward to the most in the Fellowship?” Aisha responded, “[W]e’re working one-on-one with lawyers and industry leaders on an independently-driven project. We get to focus on one of the many pillars of cannabis amnesty, working to end stigmas. It’s really cool to be able to be on this project and have it supervised by very incredible teachers, who put my passions first. I want to be able to celebrate my job; I think that can happen here.”
“The reason why I came into law is to give opportunities, support, and resources to marginalized communities like my own. But, unfortunately, many people don’t have access to these spaces, resources, finances, and opportunities, or even just access to even understanding how to navigate the legal system to benefit and enrich their lives.”
Aisha hopes that in 10 years, she will represent diversity on the bench in Canada.
