Sylvia Parris-Drummond
CEO, Delmore “Buddy” Daye Learning Institute
Citizen-Led Accountability: Strategies and Practices (CLASP), 2021
As CEO of the Delmore ‘Buddy’ Daye Learning Institute, Sylvia Paris-Drummond helps improve the education environment for African Nova Scotian learners and educators. She conducts policy analysis and develops education products based on anti-racism and social equity transformation.
As a leader, she is mindful of the honour it is to provide servant leadership and to hold spaces for African Nova Scotian community voices – past, current and youth. Through sisterhood, the knowledge of the sacrifices of African Nova Scotian ancestors, and the fortitude of her community, she has found gifts in the struggles.
She tries to lead by showing her whole self. The Maya Angelou quote, “I would like to be known as an intelligent woman, a courageous woman, a loving woman, a woman who teaches by being,” is a motto she tries to live by.
Sylvia is the recipient of the 2020 RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Award for Social Change.
As a mentor, supporter, and godmother, Sylvia shares her wisdom with other women:
“Embrace your vulnerable side. Don’t let the quest for perfection prevent you from taking risks. Hold fast with confidence and competence as you advance towards your career goals. Be courageous”
