top gyal ah di month | February
At Gyallivant, we believe in uplifting the Black Women and Women of Colour who are making a difference, whether in their careers, communities, or personal lives. Our Top Gyal series shines a spotlight on these inspiring women, highlighting their journeys, accomplishments, and the impact they’re having on those around them. Each month, we feature a new Top Gyal nominated by our community, sharing her story to motivate and uplift others.
Dianne Sowa is no stranger to pushing past limits and stepping into her purpose—literally. By day, she’s managing properties, but by night, she’s creating an electric space for movement, joy, and community. Her journey into health and wellness wasn’t just about fitness; it was about finding a place of belonging, release, and resilience. What started as a personal transformation has turned into a passion for uplifting others—one step at a time. Keep reading to find out how Dianne turned her love for movement into something bigger than herself!
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What do you do/what are you known for?
A daughter of the King, a worship leader, a wife and mother of 3 young adults aged 24, 18 and 17. I'm a Property Administrator by day, an Xtreme HipHop with Phil Step Instructor teaching step aerobics by night and CanFit Certified to teach fitness group classes at Women's Fitness.
What is your favourite self-care or wellness activity?
Massages, Lounging on my couch catching up on TV shows and/or spending time with the gyal dem.
What inspired you to pursue the work you're doing, and what drives you to keep pushing forward?
I began my health and wellness journey in 2015 when the frustration of not feeling good about myself and not fitting into my clothes became too much. Nutrition and fitness became a part of my everyday life. Meal prepping, daily walks, and participating in Soca and Bootcamp classes 3-4x/week. With the onset of COVID all things being physically active came to a halt and in that time, I found Xtreme Hip Hop with Phil through an online Community, and I’ve been stepping ever since.
Step to me is joy and a place of escape. It is a safe space to be free and to release the weight of the world. Step is belonging, community and dance on a step. Knowing the impact step has made in my life, I know it can make a difference in other people’s lives. Now I spend my off-work hours listening to music and stepping, using the energy it creates to build fun, high intensity step classes that people can't get enough of.
What challenges have you faced along the way, and how have they shaped the person you are today?
It is very challenging to start something new and on our your own when you don't necessarily have a desire to be an entrepreneur, but when you enjoy what you do you find the drive to persevere.
It can be discouraging when you have 5 or less participants show up to a class but I've come to realize that it's not about the #'s but it's about the people. It's about who shows up in support of what you do and more importantly show up for themselves.
Changing my perspective has made the difference and it has helped me to appreciate the moment for what it is. Trusting in God's plan for a what is ahead keeps me grounded and focused and I believe one day classes of 5 or less will grow to classes of 25+ consistently. My purpose or desire isn't to build a business but to help people get one step closer to their fitness goals. The reward is not in how much you make but in the joy seen on people's faces when they realize how much they have grown and how far they have come from when they first began.
What advice would you give to other Black Women/Women of Colour looking to make an impact in their communities?
Don't allow fear or the unknown to hold you back. Trust yourself to take that first step. You will never know if what is inside you to be birthed will impact or change someone's life if you don't try. Just go for it! You may just surprise yourself.
