tinA teresA pihL

Social Activist. Trailblazer. Visionary.

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Photo: Tony Duffy

tinA’s Purpose

CATALYST. CONNECTOR.

tinA teresA pihL lives at the crossroads of race, heritage, and nationality which has gifted her the ability to deeply understand some of the most complex layers of humanity. Her goal is to unlock what really creates connection and belonging, both within herself and within the human family.

pihL’s (pronounced peel)  life story must be told because it highlights the beauty of embracing identity- how honoring each individual truth liberates us all from the fear and shame of false narratives.

In a time when our political climate seeks to divide us we need stories like hers that show us that the only true “self” is the one we’re constantly creating.

“When you talk about the sun, you will see her beams.” – Canadian Proverb

tinA teresA pihL

PIONEER. LEADER. ACHIEVER.

tinA teresA, affectionately known as Sweet-T, has an indomitable spirit and an unparalleled drive that has allowed her to be an extraordinary achiever in the face of adversity. pihL (pronounced peel) has lived a unique constellation of experiences that has made her a trailblazer and a lightning rod for truth that cuts through our common shadows and deeply held barriers. She is a transracial adoptee of Antiguan heritage, with both U.S. and Canadian citizenship and American and German upbringing. pihL crosses multiple socially opposing identities, constantly gaining an intimate understanding of where they collide and where they divide.

She is a brave community builder who is relentless in her commitment to bringing the best out of all of us. For twenty years she worked with disadvantaged communities to provide them with access to resources, helping them to thrive. She uses her tenacity, social entrepreneurship, and creativity to help foster inclusivity for neighborhoods, companies, and organizations.

pihL has successfully built two non-profits and spearheaded six community projects. She co-founded the Habitat for Humanity Cross-Country Bicycle Challenge, which became the single largest fundraiser for any Habitat affiliate in the world, raising roughly $2.4 million. She also served as the inaugural Executive Director of the Spanish Lake Community Development Corporation, located in a struggling suburb of North St. Louis County.

pihL is a graduate of Yale University, M.I.T. and a 2004 U.S. and Canadian Olympic Qualifier in women’s freestyle wrestling. Her excellence knows no bounds and is a testament to what is possible.

“Anfangen ist leicht, beharren eine Kunst.” (Starting is easy, persistence is an art.)  – German Proverb

Her Story

INSIGHTFUL.POWERFUL.INSPIRING.

Below are brief excerpts from her page-turning memoir.

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Photo: Danielle Hobeika