Influential Woman · Public health consulting
Hayley Washington Sayrs
Founder, Sayrs Consulting
Beverly Hills, CA
Her Story
About Hayley
Motivated by her experiences growing up in multicultural communities and observing the shared challenges families face across different backgrounds, Hayley is committed to collaborative solutions that benefit everyone. As a University of Southern California alumna, she recently served on USC's Alumni chapter for public health and is exploring ways to encourage public health entrepreneurship among students. She demonstrates her commitment to giving back through two initiatives of her own: an internship program within her company, and a social startups program that provides pro bono support to consultants, contractors, and nonprofits to help reduce barriers to entry and support to carry out new ideas. Hayley also highlights her recent work with Goddess Mercado in East LA, amplifying support and access to resources for women-owned and Latina-owned businesses.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Hayley
01What do you attribute your success to?
Resilience learned through trial and error. Proximity to successful people. Daily dedicated work clearing the cobwebs of old wounds from past relationships and projects so I can invite new creations.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
I love the story Kamala Harris shares about what her mother would tell her growing up: "Never let someone else tell you who you are. You show them who you are." It has continued to resonate with me deeply years later, as I remind myself that while I value feedback from others, when and who I solicit it from is completely on my terms.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Keep going. This is not a great time for people entering the social sciences, public health and equity work in the United States of America. We have real political opposition to addressing the underlying mechanisms that drive poverty and further disenfranchisement nationally. There is strength in plugging in where you can, starting with what you have and doing whatever it takes to keep your dream alive. The universe rewards those who find joy on the relentless pursuit of goal. If you measure your success by how hard you try instead of what you achieve, you will be a lot happier in the long-run and free from your own judgement. Slow down when you can and get really quiet and curious about the messages around you and within you, find that internal compass by being clear on your values and it will help guide you on where to go next.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Challenges: budget cuts, rollbacks, political opposition, misinformation, disinformation, AI, social media
Opportunities: public health entrepreneurship, people power, partnerships, AI, social media
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Kindness. Courage. Strength. Resilience. Hope.
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