Activism

Women’s History Month Spotlight: Oakland Rising—Arts & Wellness Are Rebuilding Community

Through global scholarships and training, the Collective is helping break cycles of intergenerational poverty—supporting maternal health, empowering youth, and keeping elders active and connected.

Published

7 months ago

April 10, 2026

Oakland Post

Photo Credit: (left) Tonya Marie Amos, founder of Aspire Pilates Center (right) Wren Amos, project manager of Grown Women Dance Collective. Photo by Jonathan ‘Fitness’ Jones.

By Post Staff

In celebration of Women’s History Month, we honor women whose leadership is transforming communities.

In Oakland, one such leader is Tonya Marie Amos—a dancer, entrepreneur, and visionary using arts and wellness to drive social change.

Amos began her journey in 2006 with Aspire Pilates Center in Concord at a time when wellness spaces were largely inaccessible to many communities. After a 15-year professional dance career and a life-changing injury, she experienced firsthand the healing power of movement—and recognized the urgent need to make it accessible to all.

In 2009, she expanded her mission by founding the Grown Women Dance Collective, blending performing arts, wellness, and social justice to uplift underserved communities. Her work has since earned numerous honors, yet her focus remains clear: impact over recognition.

A Model Rooted in Giving Back.

After relocating to West Oakland in 2023, Amos redefined her business model—100% of proceeds from Aspire Pilates Center now fund nonprofit programs. These initiatives provide scholarships to over 280 students across 12 countries, train Black and Brown wellness leaders, and deliver community-based healing programs.

“This isn’t charity—it’s reinvestment,” Amos says. “Every dollar goes back into the community.”

Healing, Empowerment & Economic Change

At the core of her work is a powerful belief: movement changes lives.

Students who enter her programs often experience not only physical healing, but renewed confidence, purpose, and opportunity.

Amos also reframes wellness as a social justice issue. Chronic pain—especially back pain—disproportionately impacts marginalized communities and is a leading cause of job loss. By training individuals as wellness professionals, her programs create pathways to income, stability, and generational change.

“It’s a ripple effect,” she explains. “You heal one person—they uplift a family. That family strengthens a community.”

Breaking Barriers, Building Legacy

Through global scholarships and training, the Collective is helping break cycles of intergenerational poverty—supporting maternal health, empowering youth, and keeping elders active and connected.

Now firmly rooted in Oakland, Amos is building a legacy grounded in equity, culture, and care.

“There can be no revolution if people are in pain—and no revolution without artists,” she says.

Why It Matters

During Women’s History Month, Amos’ work reminded us that women-led, purpose-driven leadership can reshape systems and restore communities.

Her advice to the next generation: Stay focused. Stay consistent. Surround yourself with people who believe in your vision—and never give up.

Aspire Pilates Center is located at 494 Ninth St. in Oakland. To support, call 925-680-4400 or learn more, visit: https://www.grownwomendance.org