Shayle Gayle, GASP Fellow
Originally from South Florida, Shaul Gayle brings a unique blend of public health expertise, community compassion, and environmental awareness to their role as a GASP Fellow.
“I currently have a master’s as a Certified Public Health professional, I’m a third-year doctoral student in the Environmental Health Sciences program.” It’s a path that reflects their commitment to connecting science with service to make sure both reach the people who need it most.
At GASP, Shaul has been busy engaging with communities directly through neighborhood pop-ups. They are often seen setting tables, greeting residents, and offering free health screenings such as blood pressure, blood sugar checks, and HIV testing kits. “I just do the screenings right there,” they said, “and then provide them with information so they can follow up with their primary care physicians or at community clinics like the Desmond Neighborhood Health Center.”
Shaul’s motivation for joining GASP and focusing on environmental health is a further commitment to their commitment to learning. “I realized in college that the issue of health equity isn’t going to be solved in one way,” they said. “If we’re serious about achieving health equity, there has to be help on all fronts. The environmental piece often slips under the radar because people don’t see the effects until years later — when folks are terminally ill or already severely debilitated.”
They reflected on how public understanding of environmental health has expanded but still has a long way to go. “When I was in college, when people talked about the environment, they thought of polar bears or the ocean. Now, people might think about Flint, Michigan, or water contamination. But there’s still a huge gap.”
Shaul says it is that gap that drives them. They hope to make environmental health something that feels real and relevant to everyday people. “With everything going on right now, these problems are only going to increase. We need to focus attention on the communities experiencing these disparities — to help mitigate the symptoms and prevent the chronic health conditions that come from environmental exposures.”
When asked about their “environmental pie-in-the-sky,” Shaul envisions something transformative — and community-led. “I would hope that through my work, we create something sustainable and equitable — where people are equipped with health information that’s easy to understand and easy to act on. I want communities to be so informed and engaged that they’re the ones driving advocacy. So when an issue comes up, it’s not just GASP or another organization speaking up — it’s the people themselves.”
Shaul Continued, “That’s my dream — that people are so knowledgeable and organized that even politicians have to stay on their toes. Because the community is watching, and they’re ready.”
Though still early in their fellowship, Shaul has already found moments that reaffirm their on the right path. “Honestly, one of the first times I felt like I was in the right place was my first call with Melissa,” they remembered. “It had been a long time since I’d connected with someone so deeply about environmental health issues.” Another moment came when they met Ms. Gilda, a community leader whose fierce dedication reminded them of their mentor, Ms. Lawanna Gelzer, back in Orlando.
“Ms. Gilda’s passion — it just reminded me of home,” they said. “Back when I worked with Ms. Gelzer, she never gave up, even when people tried to dismiss environmental justice work. Seeing that same fire in Ms. Gilda — that same passion in Ms. Jilisa — it made me proud to be part of GASP.”
That lineage of inspiration that passed from one advocate to the next is something Shaul treasures. “I want somebody to know that you can make a difference no matter how small.”
Shaul continued, “you can do a lot even though it’s just you. You may not feel heard or seen but as long as you keep going and you keep putting out the information, you’re going to inspire somebody to move the needle no matter how small.”
Shaul’s work with GASP continues through 2026, where they will focus on lead exposure awareness and community health education. Through their fellowship, they hope to continue bridging the gap between public health and environmental justice — ensuring that every community has the knowledge, tools, and power to fight for cleaner air and healthier lives.
