The idea of a Third Space, a place outside of home, school, or work, has become a floating term within the diaspora. Something many of us have heard of but struggled to hold onto. Once a refuge, a place for creativity and community, third spaces are now increasingly out of reach. For The Th3rdSpace, a Toronto-based nonprofit, reclaiming this concept is deeply personal. It’s about creating a place where racialized and marginalized youth can come together, feel seen, and build something lasting, something that won’t be lost.

Th3rdSpace began as an idea among a group of friends who wanted to create a space for their community in ways they wished had existed while growing up. “Whether you need a charger or have an aspiration to start something, we’re here for you.” This simple but profound statement captures the ethos of The Th3rdSpace—no barriers, no restrictions, just open arms and a willingness to help.

What began as an International Women’s Day initiative founded by Sumeya, Ladan, Zenah, Warda, and Amal has grown into a collective of ten, bringing together individuals with a shared vision for accessibility, mentorship, and creative exploration. From their first event on International Women’s Day to securing a provincial grant for their mentorship program, Creating Space, their impact continues to grow. Ladan, one of the coordinators of Creating Space, describes the program as a five-to-six-month initiative focused on professional, personal, and leadership development for Black and racialized youth. “Right now, we’re building the curriculum, seeking support, and connecting with organizations to make this the best experience possible.”

The name Th3rdSpace wasn’t chosen randomly. Zenah introduced the term to the group, pulling from her studies. “It’s a space that isn’t home, school, or work. It’s somewhere in between, where you can just exist, create, and feel a sense of belonging.”

For Yahya, the idea of a third space transcends physical location. “When I’m in my third space, I’m locked in. Whether I’m at the gym, playing basketball, or just hanging out with friends, nothing else matters. It’s where I feel safest and most productive.” This sentiment is deeply tied to faith for many at Th3rdSpace. Ladan describes Islam as the foundation of the security they want to provide in the space they’re building. “I want people to feel safe, supported, and understood.”

Accessibility is always a top priority when curating events and workshops. Sumeya recalls a summer session they hosted specifically for women. “Having a healthy lifestyle is expensive, and things like yoga aren’t always accessible. For me, the goal is always to create access where it’s lacking.” Ladan emphasizes the importance of awareness and connection. “You can’t address problems if you don’t know what they are. Growing up, I moved around a lot, and I felt that lack of support, especially in creative spaces. That’s why I keep that in mind when developing programming.”

Yahya approaches it through conversation. “I just ask people, what do you wish you had growing up? What’s something you want to work on? We can come up with ideas all day, but if we’re not listening to the people we serve, we’re not really doing the work.”

Partnerships are key to Th3rdSpace’s growth, but the team is intentional about who they work with. Sumeya describes the process as deeper than aligning mission statements. “It’s about values. We always make it a group decision because something that resonates with one of us might not align with how someone else sees Th3rdSpace.” Sometimes, it comes down to energy. “It sounds crazy, but a lot of it is just vibes. Vibes, but with intention.”

Faith also plays a guiding role in decision-making. “Everything we do has to align with Islam. Even if something seems like a great opportunity, if it doesn’t align, we turn it down. Because in the long run, Allah will reward us with something better.”

Like any grassroots organization, Th3rdSpace has faced its challenges. Ladan acknowledges the difficulty of creating space without a physical location. “In the beginning, it was tough. But even without one, Alhamdulillah, we’ve impacted hundreds of youth.” As they continue to grow, their focus remains on sustainability. Securing resources, building connections, and ensuring Th3rdSpace can continue providing a home away from home for those who need it most.

Th3rdSpace is more than just an organization; it’s a testament to the power of community, collaboration, and care. Through their work, they are shaping a future where first-generation youth have the support, access, and space to grow. Not just as individuals, but as a collective. In every program, event, and interaction, they are proving that a Third Space is not just necessary, it’s transformative.