Cindy Sawyers M.ED.

I attribute my success to a combination of unwavering purpose, a commitment to continuous learning, and the ability to bridge two very different worlds—education and business. My work as an educator and administrator has always been grounded in service, equity, and the belief that strong relationships can transform outcomes. At the same time, my early career as a corporate buyer equipped me with strategic thinking, communication skills, and operational discipline. Bringing these strengths together has enabled me to design effective systems, lead with clarity, and support both students and adults in meaningful, lasting ways.

I have also succeeded because I am deeply data-driven and solutions-oriented. Whether implementing reading interventions, designing curriculum, coaching teachers, or leading schoolwide initiatives, I focus on understanding root causes and building structures that ensure consistency, accountability, and growth. My success is the result of staying curious, embracing innovation, and being willing to adapt—whether through technology-enhanced learning, restorative practices, or alternative education models that put students’ needs at the center.

Finally, my success is shaped by empathy and connection. Founding Single Parent Support (SPS) reflects my belief that schools thrive when families feel supported and valued. By championing emotional well-being, balance, and shared responsibility, I have been able to strengthen school-family-community relationships and cultivate environments where students and staff can flourish. My ability to lead with both compassion and strategy has allowed me to build trust, stabilize systems, and create positive, high-impact learning climates.

The best career advice I’ve ever received came from my mother, whose journey as an immigrant and a nurse has shaped every part of who I am—personally, professionally, and as a leader. She taught me that success is built through resilience, humility, and a willingness to serve others with your whole heart. Watching her build a life for our family while navigating a new country showed me that strength is not loud; it’s steady, consistent, and rooted in purpose. Her example continues to guide my decisions, my leadership, and the way I show up for the communities I serve.

My mother also taught me to trust my instincts, invest in my growth, and never allow fear to dictate my path. She believed deeply in lifting others as you rise, and that philosophy has become the foundation of my work in education, coaching, and family support. Whether leading teams, supporting students, or creating systems like Single Parent Support (SPS), I carry her belief that every challenge is an opportunity to lead with compassion and courage. I am proud to be part of her legacy, and I honor her by striving to embody the same love, resilience, and strength that defined her journey.

This mindset is also reflected in the mission of Lemon Bloom, my lifestyle brand dedicated to nurturing and empowering women at every stage and phase of life. Her influence is woven through every idea, message, and purpose behind the brand. The guidance she gave me—to grow, to bloom, and to help others do the same—continues to shape the way I lead, create, and serve.

My advice to young women entering the field of education is simple but powerful: be exactly who you are, and stay true to yourself. In a profession where hearts and minds shape the future, your authenticity is one of your greatest strengths. Lead with love, lead with light, and let your compassion guide your decisions. Education needs leaders who are grounded, empathetic, and unafraid to shine in the ways that make them unique.

Remember that your strength as a woman is extraordinary. You bring perspective, intuition, resilience, and creativity—qualities that elevate classrooms, teams, families, and entire school communities. Don’t shrink yourself to fit expectations or norms that don’t honor your worth. Instead, open your wings—your big, strong wings—and soar. Trust that you belong in every room you enter and that your voice has the power to create meaningful change.

Most importantly, surround yourself with mentors, cheerleaders, and fellow women who lift one another up. This work is too important and too beautiful to do alone. When you stay true to who you are and lead with both courage and heart, you won’t just build a career—you’ll build a legacy.

The values that guide both my work and my personal life begin with positivity. I believe in choosing optimism—especially in challenging moments—because the way we show up has a direct impact on the people around us. In education, leadership, and life, a positive mindset creates space for connection, trust, and growth, and it allows others to feel seen, supported, and safe.

Kindness is equally important to me. I’ve always believed that wherever you go, you should leave someone feeling better than before—whether through a smile, a small compliment, or simply taking the time to listen. We rarely know what someone else is carrying, and the smallest gestures can be profoundly powerful. Kindness costs nothing, yet it has the ability to lift spirits, strengthen relationships, and change the tone of an entire environment.

Ultimately, I value being a source of light in the lives of others. In my work as an educational leader and in my personal relationships, I strive to offer encouragement, empathy, and genuine care. These simple, human acts—positivity, kindness, and presence—are, to me, the greatest gifts we can give and the foundation for a meaningful and purposeful life.