March 2020
With Noah Shin
Toni Evans is a senior at Cornerstone University and a learning disabilities teacher at the Quick Creative Arts Academy. She loves everything art: from being a self entrepreneur in designing custom denim jackets, to dabbling in calligraphy and acrylic paint.
She entered GRIL seven years ago as a sophomore in high school. Aside from attending summer and VBS bible school, she was encouraged by family and friends to try something new.
The most significant memory was when the GRIL participants were asked to construct a creative project that showed their future goals and aspirations. Toni was the overachiever, constructing an artistic masterpiece that detailed her intricate 10-year plan. “I cut a trifold in half…and [created] a whole butterfly…each wing was a representation of my goals in life.”
I asked her if she had accomplished all of those goals, seven years later. “No,” she laughed. “I’m not married yet.”
Now, Toni works as a teacher at her art school while balancing her time as a student. She is the founder of the Kingdom Diversity Department at Cornerstone University. There, Toni plans multicultural events, showcasing the diversity of the student body. She’s worked at the multicultural fashion and talent show, cultural dance parties, “Friendsgiving” meals with international students, and even a “national hair day event.” At Cornerstone, she stands as the only African-American student in her education department. She loves learning through different cultures, and through her work and example, stresses the importance of community in diversity.
Toni also thanks the good women role models for paving her way. She learned to be confident and comfortable with the women that shaped her. For Toni, GRIL grew her confidence and built the foundation she needed to speak in front of people. “I do what I want to do,” she says, “and I’m learning how to use my voice to help command a room.”