PLEDGE TO THE NAME: THE SOURCE OF HER SMILE
- groundtenpro
- May 11
- 4 min read
"Ala'a's journey is one we can all
learn frOM and be inspired by."
ALA'A ADIB INTERVIEW
ALL PHOTO CREDITS AS APPEARED AND GIVEN. GROUNDTENPRO DOES NOT OWN ANY. OF THE ORIGINAL PHOTOS THAT HAVE BEEN TAKEN.
In a world where many show empathy and donate occasionally, there are some whose actions go beyond just charity—they transform lives. Ala'a’s life was forever changed after losing someone incredibly close to her, in the blink of an eye. The unexpected loss was not only devastating but sparked a profound shift in her, motivating her to dedicate herself to helping others who are suffering the way she did.
For Ala'a, turning pain into purpose became a calling—she began working tirelessly to support her community and others going through similar heartache.
We were fortunate enough to sit down with Ala'a and hear her story, diving into what inspired her transformation and the mindset behind her mission.
GROUNDTENPRO: "What is your definition of leadership?"
ALA'A: "For me, leadership is about service. It’s about using your voice, resources, and influence to uplift those around you. A true leader doesn’t just make decisions—they create opportunities, amplify unheard voices, and take action when it matters most. Leadership isn’t about titles; it’s about impact."
GROUNDTENPRO: "With being engaged in your community, where did your passion for helping people come from?"
ALA'A: "My passion for helping people comes from my lived experiences. Growing up, I saw how systemic barriers impacted my community, limiting opportunities for young people—especially Black youth. When my younger brother was taken from us due to gun violence, I knew I couldn’t just sit back. I wanted to create something meaningful in his honor. Smile for Sache was born out of pain, but it has grown into a movement rooted in love, resilience, and community support."
G: "What are your other passions/creative outlets"
A: "Beyond my community work, I have a deep passion for storytelling and marketing. I love using social media and branding strategies to amplify important messages and connect people with resources. Sports, especially basketball, have also played a huge role in my life—not just as a game but as a tool for building confidence, discipline, and creating a community."
G: "What advice would you give others who are looking to be involved in your organization or start something similar to yours?"
A: "Start with intention. Ask yourself why you’re doing this and who you’re serving. Community work isn’t about quick wins—it’s about long-term impact. Surround yourself with people who share your vision, stay consistent, and don’t be afraid to start small. And most importantly, don’t let people’s opinions discourage you—stay true to your purpose, and keep pushing forward. Whether it’s volunteering, mentoring, or launching an initiative, every effort matters."
G: "How important is mentorship?"
A: "Mentorship is everything. Having the right guidance can change the trajectory of someone’s life. I didn’t have true mentorship growing up, which is why I strive to be that for the youth. I want to give them the resources I didn’t have, create opportunities for them, and ensure they feel supported in ways I never did. Whether it’s through sports, career advice, or personal development, mentorship helps break cycles and open doors for the next generation."
GROUNDTENPRO: "Where and who do your morals and values come from?"
ALA'A: "My morals and values come from my mom and Islam. They have shaped the way I see the world and how I choose to move through it. My upbringing, my community, and the challenges I’ve faced have all reinforced the importance of integrity, accountability, and leading with purpose. I know the impact of having strong values, especially when advocating for change, and I strive to embody them in everything I do."
G. "With your continued effort, where do you see your community work taking you in the next 5–10 years?"
A: "In the next 5–10 years, I see my work expanding on a larger scale. I want to build more sustainable programs, create safe spaces for youth beyond just Toronto, and secure long-term funding to make Smile for Sache a leading organization globally Insha’Allah! I also hope to work at the policy level to address systemic issues and ensure that grassroots voices are part of decision-making processes."
(ALA'A continues) In addition, I want to work with the NBA in some capacity, not just for myself, but to create opportunities for youth to be in these spaces and show them that anything is possible. Representation matters, and I want young people to see that they belong in every room, every industry, and every opportunity they dream of. My goal is to make sure that future generations don’t just survive—but truly flourish."
Ala'a's journey is one we can all learn from and be inspired by. Fortunately and unfortunately, Ala'a's story is unique to her but not to the world. Millions of us around the world have lost someone or known someone lost to gun violence, and it's powerful organizations such as Smile for Sache who add a bit of peace to the world we deserve to live in and experience.
Want to hear her journey in full? Watch our recent interview
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