George Brown Polytechnic is located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and other Indigenous peoples who have lived here over time. We are grateful to share this land as treaty people who learn, work and live in the community with each other.
Meet the startGBC #WhyNotMe October 2026 Entrepreneur Spotlight: Shayana Gayle, CEO, Aligned Partnerships
We are always so proud of George Brown alumni who continually give back to our community, and nothing pleases us more than highlighting entrepreneurs during Small Business Week in October. But a double bonus as we celebrate Shayana Gayle, CEO, Aligned Partnerships, who is part of the George Brown Business Alumni Chapter and will be hosting an amazing event on October 22, 2026, at The National Club, Toronto. Come join us and meet Shayana and other business leaders!
About Shayana
Shayana is a partnerships and fundraising strategist and founder of Aligned Partnerships, a Toronto-based consultancy helping organizations build strategic relationships that drive revenue and sustainable growth. With more than a decade of experience across corporate partnerships, sponsorships, fundraising, and business development, she has worked with nonprofits, major events, and purpose-driven organizations in Canada and internationally.
After leading and managing high-value partnerships for organizations including Pride Toronto and UK Black Pride, Shayana launched Aligned Partnerships to bring that expertise directly to organizations looking to grow. Through partnership strategy, sponsorship development, fundraising, business development, and fractional support, Aligned Partnerships helps clients turn the right relationships into meaningful opportunities.
Shayana has always been a connector at heart, the person who brings people together, spots opportunities, and figures out how everyone can win. A proud George Brown Polytechnic alumna, her career has taken her through fundraising, events, sponsorships, and partnerships, working with organizations and communities both in Canada and internationally.
Entrepreneurship wasn’t always the plan. After an unexpected career transition in 2025, Shayana found herself at a crossroads: search for the next job or take everything she had learned throughout her career and build something of her own. She chose both, giving herself permission to explore, take risks, and redefine what success could look like. That journey eventually led her to entrepreneurship and the creation of Aligned Partnerships, built around something she has always believed: the right relationship can change the trajectory of an organization, an opportunity, or even a life.
Academic Background
Diploma of Business Marketing – George Brown Polytechnic, School of Management
What made you want to become an entrepreneur?
Entrepreneurship wasn’t something I had always planned for. After an unexpected career transition, I had to think differently about what came next. I realized that so much of my career had been spent helping organizations grow through relationships and that I could take those same skills and build something of my own.
What started as a period of uncertainty became an opportunity to bet on myself. I wanted the freedom to choose the organizations I work with, solve problems in my own way, and build a business that reflects both what I’m good at and what I genuinely enjoy doing.
Why did you create your business?
I created Aligned Partnerships because I saw how often great organizations had big ideas and meaningful work, but didn’t always have the time, capacity, or expertise to build the relationships needed to grow them. I wanted to make the partnership and fundraising experience I’d gained throughout my career accessible to organizations that may not be ready for a full-time senior hire but still need senior-level strategy and support. At its core, I created Aligned Partnerships because I believe the right relationships can open doors, create opportunities, and completely change what’s possible for an organization.
What successes have you enjoyed so far with building your company?
My biggest success has been turning an idea into a real business and seeing organizations recognize the value of what I offer. I’ve had the opportunity to support clients with fundraising and partnership strategy, build new relationships, and continue refining what Aligned Partnerships can become. For me, success so far has been proving that I can bet on myself and build something from it.
What is one piece of advice you would give to aspiring entrepreneurs?
Are you ready to receive what you know you are worthy of?
Any organizations or learning resources you would recommend?
George Brown Polytechnic, and professional industry organizations that align with your business.
Any books or podcasts you would recommend?
The Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes
I’d recommend LinkedIn, not just for content, but for connecting with other entrepreneurs, potential clients, and people who are willing to share what they’ve learned.
Socials
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shayana-gayle-399705160