Her Story
About Meagan
Meagan Sylvester serves as a professor at the City University of New York (CUNY) in Fresh Meadows, New York, where she teaches in Africana Studies, Sociology, and English. With 25 to 30 years in her field and a specialization in music sociology, she previously held a visiting professor position at Farmingdale SUNY. Sylvester earned her bachelor's, master's, and doctorate degrees and has authored over 20 publications. She hosts the podcast Calypso the New York Experience, focusing on the sociology of music and migratory movements across the diaspora. She maintains active memberships in the Association of Black Sociologists, Caribbean Studies Association, and Society for Ethnomusicology, and volunteers at conferences by assisting with logistics and guiding visitors around New York City. Sylvester attributes her success to her father's example as an educator and sociologist, professional mentorship, self-investment through development courses and board positions, and a commitment to sharing knowledge and service.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Meagan
01What do you attribute your success to?
My father being a great example, people who poured into me professionally, investing in my own self through professional development, applying for board positions to learn hidden curriculum, and sharing/service culture.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Each one helps one. Helping women coming up behind by sharing career advice, academic advice, how to get tenured, how to publish.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Have your head on, know what it is you want. Know yourself so you don't get easily bamboozled.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Opportunities to better integrate AI in the classroom by teaching students how to use it effectively as a tool, including proper referencing, while emphasizing the need for double-checking outputs due to potential errors.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Honesty, stick-to-itiveness, and completion or execution of projects without procrastination.
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