FOUNDER. SPEAKER. CHANGEMAKER
Stronger When
We Ask.
Building support. Expanding opportunity.
I help students and leaders go further than they think by asking for help, building support and creating pathways to economic mobility.
FOUNDER & CEO
BARRIER BREAKERS®
A national nonprofit advancing economic mobility for first-generation and low-income students.
7,000+
students supported across the U.S.
200,000+
views on my TEDx Talk
100+
colleges, schools and organizations reached
1 Mission
To expand economic mobility through support.
HI, I'M SYDNEY
I turned lived experience into life-changing impact
As a first-generation college graduate, entrepreneur, and nonprofit founder, I know what it means to navigate uncertainty, overcome invisible barriers, and build a life of purpose.
I founded Barrier Breakers® to close the support gap for students.
I speak to inspire action, confidence, and belonging.
I advocate for those living with invisible illnesses like fibromyalgia and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS).
I believe when we ask for help, we all go further.
SIGNATURE SPEAKING TOPICS
Asking for Help & Building Support Systems
Networking & Mentorship That Change Lives
Redefining Success on Your Own Terms
Resilience, Burnout & Mental Wellness
Thriving with Chronic Illness & Invisible Disabilities
Building and Scaling Social Entrepreneurship
AS SEEN AND HEARD IN
FOUNDER. VISIONARY. ADVOCATE.
Creating pathways. Changing futures.
Through Barrier Breakers®, we reimagine what's possible for first-generation and low-income students—because their success strengthens us all.
Barrier Breakers® provides:
College and graduate school access
Wellness checks and persistence support
Career pathways & professional development
A community that believes in them
WHAT STUDENTS SAY
"All of the students no matter the background or grade all experienced a positive impact from your speech and your dinner afterwards." - Princeton E-Club
"I learnt that even though I am physically blind, I can still break those barrier. Go Sydney!" - Matthew, Marymount University.
"She's such an amazing leader, very inspirational, very wise, mature and I was so thankful to experience her" - Hannah
READY TO INSPIRE YOUR AUDIENCE?
Let's create an unforgettable experience together.
Perfect for colleges, high schools, conferences, youth programs, leadership events, church, faith-based youth programming and more.
KEYNOTES
Powerful stories that move minds and motivate action.
WORKSHOPS
Interactive sessions that build real skills & confidence.
PANELS & TALKS
Engaging conversations on the issues that matter most.
VIRTUAL OR IN-PERSON
Flexible formats to meet your audience where they are.