#RealLifeWonderWoman — Meet Gayann Dacosta

“A smile and a hug is the same in any language and that is a gift I can keep giving.”

This is the mantra and mission of Gayann Dacosta, today’s #RealLifeWonderWoman. She is a wife, mother, Delta Air Lines Brand Advisor and a passionate servant leader.

Volunteering is her jam! She uses her superpowers to deliver support and unconditional love to children all over the world.

I’m so pleased to introduce you to real-life Wonder Woman, Gayann Dacosta!

KR: Please tell us about what brings you joy and fulfillment.

GD: First I am a wife and mother to a 14 year old daughter who aspires to be the CEO of a major airline company one day.

Gayann with her husband and daughter after her daughter’s dance recital

I am a determined, passionate and optimistic person who finds the most joy from giving back. Volunteering is my life’s passion and is my DNA, ever since I was around 10 years of age when some missionaries came to my church in Jamaica and I was drawn to this particular lady named Ms. Sophia. Her smile made the world seemed so small and in those two short weeks I felt like I was the only kid among hundreds who gathered each evening for church service. I would rush every evening to attend service just so I could get a hug from her and sit next to her as I listen to hear sing, dance and entertain us. On the last night she was leaving I was so sad and crying as we said our goodbyes. She hugged me really tight and said in my ear, “You can get to hug other kids just like me when you grow up and you will never feel sad.” Those words I remember to this day and it is my life mission to give as many hugs and brighten smiles all over the globe.

Hanging out with girls from orphanage in Guatemala.

I am an active member of several Business Resource Groups (BRG) at work which provides volunteer opportunities and I am always just making sure my schedule is just right so I can participate in upcoming events.

 

Taking a break with other volunteers.

I am currently a Big Sister with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa bay and I have a little sister who I get to hang out with every week. We just have so much fun. I am fulfilled each day I walk into her school and she looks up from her desk and sees me standing in the doorway. At that moment nothing else matters as she races across the class to give me the biggest hugs. Recently I travelled to Jerusalem and volunteered at an orphanage that takes care of disabled kids. Most of them cannot speak and the ones that do, speak no English and yet with a hug and a smile you become fast friends. I always say a smile and a hug is the same in any language and that is a gift I can keep giving.

 

As an active volunteer and fundraiser for Relay for Life, Habitat for Humanity, and She is Safe, I use my time and voice to share love all over the world. I also sponsor less fortunate children who get a chance at an education at Stratton Early Childhood Education Center in Kingston Jamaica since 2014.

 

Women conference in Jamaica where Gayann was one of the sponsors.

My dream is to wake up every day and volunteer my time; give from my heart and to share love unconditionally. This will ensure that more children have a fair chance at education and the necessities of life without worrying where their next meal is coming from.

 

Handing over toiletries donation to St Petersburg clinic in Florida.

KR: We all have inner superpowers. What are some of yours?
GD: I would say some of my inner superpowers are:

Humility – growing up in Manchester Jamaica under some harsh circumstances has caused me to be very humble. I do not take any thing in life for granted and I welcome feedback as I strive to be the best “me.” Life is truly a gift!

Compassion – I care about people, I have been told so many times by different individuals that I cannot save every child, I sure wish I could. But I am committed to at least save one more.

Kindness – Someone made a difference to me by volunteering in Jamaica when I was only 10 years-old and every day I pass that kindness along. Nothing is too important that I cannot share it with someone else.

 

A visit to Washington Hill advocating for women and girls.

KR: Can you tell us about an influential woman in your life and how she inspired you?
GD: My mother has had the greatest impact on my life in so many ways. She is an immigrant to the United States and was not given the opportunity to attend school as she was the oldest daughter in a family of ten siblings. She was tasked with taking care of her younger siblings daily while the other children went to school. She would use their books and teach herself to read then went on to earn a certificate from a cooking school which she used to get a job in the hotel industry leading her to become the Head Cook before she migrated to the USA. After coming to the USA, she went back to school to become a Certified Nursing Assistant which she pursued until she retired recently. I am reminded every day that no matter what challenges I face, if she did it without a proper education I can do anything with all the opportunities that come my way. Her strength and remarkable work ethics can be seen in her five successful children who have all attended college and are productive citizens in this great country. I am so proud of the influence she has given me to make a difference in this world and to never give up.

 

Influential women! Gayann with her mother and sisters.

KR: If you could have one super-human power, what would it be?
GD: One super-human power I would like to have would be flying. When a child is in danger anywhere around the world I would be there in a jiffy to rescue them.

KR: What do you do for fun? What are your hobbies?
GD: I travel for fun with my family, always looking at our schedules to see when we can have some time to take another three-day trip to another country. I also love playing Mexican train with my mom and her friends.

 

Teaching teenage girls in Guatemala how to bake bread

KR: Knowing what you know at this stage of your life, what words of wisdom would you give to your 20-year-old self?
GD: Take school more seriously and go straight to college after high school.

13 Comments on “#RealLifeWonderWoman — Meet Gayann Dacosta”

  1. Very inspiring Gayann, keep up the great work, I love your Mom’s story too, truly an inspiration, Blessings to you and your family!!!

  2. Thank you Gayann for all you do and the many lives you touch along the way.
    Your smile is contagious, you hugs bring warmth and your prayers sends hope.

    Proverbs 29:18
    When you follow the revelation of the Word, heaven’s bliss fills your soul.

  3. Gayann,
    It’s an honor to know you personally and to have you as my sister. Your kindness and love extends to so many, unselfishly. You are inspiring! May you always be provided with MORE than enough so you can continue being a blessing to so many.

    “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” – Winston Churchill

    Sis, you have made an extraordinary life for yourself and You deserve to be recognized for your many acts of kindness. Thank you for all you do. Thank you for making a difference.

    “At the end it’s not about what you have or even what you’ve accomplished. It’s about who you’ve lifted up, who you’ve made better. It’s about what you’ve given back.” – Denzel Washington

  4. Wow! When I met you & your colleagues in Nairobi Kenya in Sept. 2019 I saw a people with a different spirit and caring hearts which can only be realised by humble people! Thumbs up to that missionary! Her work lives on. Go go go Gayann Dacosta! You are a woman without limit!

  5. You are spreading your love and compassion across the world ❤. Reading this article definitely reveals your heart for children. Way to go Gayann Many Blessings and Miss ya

  6. AWESOME JOB GAYAN SURELY YOU ARE A WORLD CHANGER GODS CONTINUED BLESSINGS AS YOU NSKE YOUR FAMILY AND COUNTRY PROUD..

  7. This Gayann is my sister from another mother. You are truly an inspiration. You are living our dream. Continue to soar high❤️

  8. This is awesome!! You are awesome !!!! Heart of pure GOLD. Continue to use the opportunities you have been blessed with to bless others my beautiful BFF❤❤

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