The OUA Amplifying Voices Series will share the stories, the efforts, and the impacts of the OUA's champions of equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), from those who have earned conference awards within their respective sport to those who continue to make a difference within their team, their campus, and their community.
Burlington, Ont. (David DiCenzo) - Enora Touloute was tired of eating the same old thing when the uOttawa Gee-Gees women’s basketball team was out for meals. Boring, chain-restaurant fare that lacked flair simply didn’t cut it anymore. So, the fourth-year guard/forward and psychology major from Repentigny, Quebec shared an idea.
It was February, which was Black History Month. In her official role as the team’s external leader, Touloute detailed a plan to show specific support for black-owned restaurants in Ottawa. In 2025, they chose African BBQ House, and this past February, the selection was YKO BBQ Chicken, another outstanding African establishment.
“The owners were really happy to hear about the idea,” says Touloute. “We did social media posts to show our support and give the restaurants some publicity.
“I have to say, it’s been two years since we’ve done these initiatives, and both times after eating at these places, we had good games.
“Coincidence? I don’t think so.”
She says the plantains were particularly delicious, effusing excitement when describing the traditional dish. Whether talking food, basketball, or mental health, Touloute’s pure energy is obvious. She’s been a key component of the Gee-Gees women’s team in the past few seasons. A defensive presence on the court, Touloute tied for the team lead with 2.5 steals per game in 2025/26, while gathering 5 boards per outing. Touloute’s not only been a source of inspiration for her teammates when locked into game-mode, but also to those on the uOttawa campus and the surrounding community. That external leader role was bestowed upon Touloute by head coach Rose-Anne Joly, who saw her young, socially-conscious pupil as the perfect liaison between the squad and the community.
Leadership traits were evident early, in part because of the incredible support Touloute’s Haitian parents Chantal and Francko provided their four children. Enora is the oldest sibling, with Leyla, Faith, and Esaïe each encouraged to hone their skills and interests.
“My parents always wanted us to be passionate about whatever we did in our lives,” says Touloute. “They never pressured us to pursue a specific career or money. Their motto was to do what you love, then your drive will come naturally – and you’ll enjoy the journey so much more.
“They supported me in everything. I was a curious kid and changing my mind every few weeks, like being a swimmer or violinist. But they were always behind every little project.”
Touloute got her love of hoops from Francko, who was a pretty good player in his day. She says he can still hold his own when they get out on the court together, as can Esaïe, an ascending 14-year-old player in Repentigny. Basketball certainly played a part in Touloute’s decision to go to uOttawa. She had actually taken a year off from the sport while attending Concordia University for sociology. Touloute saw an ad for uOttawa and realized that the psychology program and competitive basketball team would make the school an ideal destination.
“I liked the program at Concordia and was learning a lot about the world we live in,” says Touloute. “But I was driven by the idea to help people one-on-one, through a more individualistic lens. That’s when I knew I wanted to pursue a career in psychology.”
Once entrenched in the nation’s capital, she consistently sought chances to make a difference for people. Touloute monitored scholarships, internships, and any other opportunity that would fit for her and her peers. She supported the university’s Black Student Athlete Advocacy Council, which celebrates black individualism, by promoting their events among teammates and peers.
Touloute is now the one inspiring others. She continues to identify academic, career, and mental health resources for teammates and peers, while successfully navigating a heavy courseload, earning U SPORTS Academic All-Canadian honours in both her second and third years. Touloute organized a thoughtful team initiative where players exchanged small, meaningful gifts to support each other’s well-being on World Mental Health Day. She spearheaded another project where the team baked treats for residents of The Well, a homeless shelter providing services to women, children, and gender-diverse individuals in the Ottawa community.
Touloute says nothing would get done without her devotion to detailed scheduling. Her calendar is essential. It’s full of tasks but also accounts for quality personal time. Proper fuel (like sweet plantains) and rest, as well as surrounding herself with people who provide energy rather than drain it, have been integral to her accomplishments.
And there have been many of those. In March, Touloute received the university’s BSAAC Student-Athlete Award, given to the person who best exemplifies the holistic excellence of the student-athlete experience. She was also the recipient of the OUA’s Champion of EDI Award.
Touloute has committed her future to being available for others and the course switch from sociology to psychology proved pivotal. She graduates from uOttawa ready to begin her next academic chapter with a return to Montreal for grad school, where she will study in McGill’s prestigious counselling program.
“I’m passionate about mental health and I wanted to continue my career in that field,” Touloute says. “I would like to eventually get licensed as a psychotherapist or a psychologist.
“So, I think I’ll hang up the basketball shoes for now. This program at McGill is really competitive and I’m going to give everything that I have to it. Who knows? Maybe the fire will come back in my second year, and I’ll want to play again.
“I really grew this year and learned a lot,” adds Touloute. “People tend to learn best from people who are at a similar stage in their journey, so I always tried to create a strong bond with my teammates and the people I meet.”