Gyrl Wonder Gala Celebrates Women of Impact

Imagine a space where ambition, curiosity, and creativity are not just encouraged but actively nurtured. For 11 years, Tola Lawal’s non-profit organization, Gyrl Wonder (GW), has been creating just that – an innovative pipeline for ambitious young women of color. Recently, this incredible impact was celebrated at GW’s inaugural Women of Impact Gala, a night dedicated to honoring trailblazing women and investing in the next generation.

The Vision Behind Gyrl Wonder

Founder Tola Lawal describes Gyrl Wonder as the manifestation of her younger self – full of drive but lacking access to the resources needed to explore her potential. “GW is a reflection of what happens when you decide that ‘figuring it out on your own’ shouldn’t be the standard for the next generation,” she shared. It’s more than just a program; it’s community, access, exposure, and the crucial realization for young women that their dreams are not only valid but achievable.

Through its leadership academy, programming, and scholarships, Gyrl Wonder has positively impacted over 3,500 young women. The Women of Impact Gala marked a significant milestone, celebrating these achievements while reinforcing the commitment to ensuring the doors opened by influential women remain accessible for future leaders.

Honoring Trailblazers and Future Leaders

The gala honored remarkable women who have shattered barriers, including media icon Gayle King, Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles, beauty innovator Danessa Myricks, and Asia Milia Ware. The event also spotlighted outstanding young women from within the Gyrl Wonder organization, showcasing the direct impact of the programs.

Honorees shared powerful messages. Jordan Chiles encouraged attendees, “You do not have to wait for permission to step into your power. Your voice is needed, your creativity is needed, your leadership is needed.” Danessa Myricks spoke about her brand being a response to those who feel unseen, hoping her presence signifies possibility. The room buzzed with a shared understanding of what it feels like to be overlooked despite immense potential.

Navigating Challenges, Driven by Impact

Lawal candidly discussed the challenges of building a nonprofit as a Black founder, navigating systems not always designed with them in mind and constantly advocating for equitable funding. Despite the shifting landscape of DEI commitments and resource challenges, her motivation remains strong. “It’s the emails from girls who landed internships they once thought were out of reach… It’s watching our alum come back and pour into the next generation,” she explained. “That’s where my strength comes from: the community, the transformation, and the responsibility.”

Supporting Gyrl Wonder is more than just a donation; it’s an investment in generational change. It helps remove barriers related to access, not ambition, empowering young women to confidently step into internships, negotiate salaries, and ultimately, become the women who open doors for others. As Lawal concluded, “That’s the ripple effect of showing up for Gyrl Wonder. It starts with one ‘gyrl,’ but it never stops there.”