Meet Dia Syed

Dia Syed is a Canadian artist and advocate whose work blends the expressive storytelling of anime and manga with themes of resilience, empowerment, and movement. With a background in both visual arts and athletics, she explores the intersection of sports and identity, creating artwork that captures energy, determination, and self-discovery.

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Dia holds a Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences with a concentration in Kinesiology and is a certified Performance Volleyball Coach. Her extensive experience includes working with over 200 schools, teaching youth sports, and developing programs that foster confidence and leadership in young girls. As the founder and CEO of Girls In Sports Canada, she has dedicated her career to ensuring equitable access to physical activity for underrepresented communities.

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In her artistic practice, Dia works primarily with traditional mediums such as markers, pencil crayons, and paint, while also experimenting with digital techniques. Her work is influenced by the dynamic compositions and expressive characters of manga and anime, reinterpreted through her unique lens. Through her art, she seeks to amplify diverse voices, tell untold stories, and inspire young audiences to embrace their strengths.

 

Dia’s work has been showcased through community initiatives and educational programs, and she continues to explore new ways to merge art and advocacy.