Sylvia Parris Drummond
Chief Executive Officer
Sylvia is the CEO of the Delmore “Buddy” Daye Learning Institute. Her work in education and the community is rooted in core Africentric Principles. She has a successful history of collaboration with the communities and stakeholders with whom she has worked.
Through her extensive public sector involvement, Ms. Parris-Drummond has gained a deep understanding and appreciation for what it takes to conduct policy analysis, oversee publishing projects, and develop and implement education, multicultural and diversity programs.
Known for getting things done in a thoughtful, respectful and engaging way, she has been actively involved across a broad range of community initiatives and organizations including the Akoma Family Centre, the Multicultural Association of Nova Scotia, and the Black Business Initiative Community Investment Fund. She has worked with the Halifax Regional Municipality, Nova Scotia Department of Education, Nova Scotia Department of Justice, the Nova Scotia Community College and the Guysborough District School Board.
Ms. Parris-Drummond holds a Masters of Arts in Life Long Learning - Africentricity, a Masters of Education - Curriculum, and a Bachelor of Science, Home Economics / Education.
In Sylvia’s words:
In previous times when I have talked about my work life journey to educator, policy work and collaborator in a not for profit, I profiled that journey as impacted by luck and circumstance. I have come to understand that I need to redefine that story so that it is truly reflective of my sense of purpose, my clarity of vision and my insights into opportunities. Early in our lives both my sister and I were orphans. It was important for us to maintain our focus on education as a means of honouring our parents wishes and the courage they demonstrated to us and our siblings, daily. With a dual role of mother/sister (as I was almost 4 years older than her), together we did what needed to be done. We were grounded in love and faith. So while it wasn't always easy (actually it was never easy), it (getting that education, working multiple jobs, holding tight to family and family values) was always going to be achieved.
So as I reflect back on my learning and contributions to the various workplaces, my energetic and passionate engagement with my community and the broader community, I smile with pride and humility. It has been and continues to be invigorating.
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What are you most proud of professionally? And who or why?
I am proud that I have been able to connect my academic study, salaried and un-salaried work with my passion of working with my Community. I am proud because my parents were proud of their Blackness, their community roots and their good neighbour policy. I love it when people who know them say that I am so much like them.
What’s your vision for Atlantic Canada in 10 years? What’s our biggest opportunity now?
Wow great question - In 10 years we will be proud that there is so much demonstration of what has been accomplished as relates to social justice and self-sustainability. The opportunity now is to dissolve barriers and get them out of the way so that the community can thrive.
What was your greatest stage of growth? What made it a shift for you?
When I did my second masters and focused on Black women's leadership, I was both affirmed and challenged. I came through that experience with a thesis that validated curiosity, agency and self-identity. The shift was being told how my sistahs in leadership needed my work to affirm them.
What’s your favourite or most read book or podcast? Now or at each of your greatest stages of growth?
Gosh. There was a time of doubt and I just happened to read The Bluest Eyes by Toni Morrison. There were lines in it that spoke to me of self love. It was powerful. I am so impacted by song and music. When I discovered Indie Arie I was blown away. So much self assurance. Chimananda Adichie's Danger of Single Story and her Feminist Manifesto - POWERFUL. So the theme is agency and self-actualization.
What’s your deepest learning from this past year? How did/will you apply it?
A quiet spoken voice can be powerfully effective. Because you have to lean in, you have to listen to hear me.
Who’s inspired you, directly or indirectly? How have they inspired you?
There is not one. Of course for all of us who are blessed with mothers, my mommy. My baby sister, God rest her soul. She had such strength.
What would you have done differently?
Well I am happy where I am at. Another journey would have taken me somewhere else.
What are the principles you live by?
The importance of God, faith and spirituality in my life. Love unashamedly and with humility.
How have you recovered from fractured professional relationships? What uncomfortable truths have you learned about yourself in those experiences?
When people don’t live up to the values I have ascribed to them, I am disappointed. I have to remind myself not to be judgmental but rather be instrumental in someone’s growth.
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policy analyst, facilitator, change agent, educator, learner of transformation