Seryn Bentley
Seryn Bentley is a Louisville-based entrepreneur, youth advocate, and community leader dedicated to creating safe, healthy, and hopeful environments for young Black men and boys. She is the Founder and CEO of Seryn Bentley, LLC, a marketing and community engagement firm, and recently began working full-time with Cities United, where her role focuses on data and research storytelling for youth-centered programs. Seryn previously served as a Cities United fellow and external evaluation consultant, supporting the “Lead the Way” tour by assisting local teams and helping allocate funding to jurisdictions, demonstrating her ability to bridge strategy, research, and community impact. Seryn’s professional focus lies at the intersection of youth advocacy, data-driven storytelling, and marketing. She leverages community-centered research to support local leaders and young people, while emphasizing integrity, authenticity, respect for others’ input, and a commitment to continuous learning. A proud graduate of the University of Louisville with a Bachelor of Science in Sports Administration and a minor in Exercise Science, Seryn has long combined her passion for social justice and youth empowerment with practical skills in leadership, digital marketing, and program evaluation. Her career in advocacy began in college and has expanded to a wide range of initiatives, including teaching tech classes through TECH-nique, running her part-time marketing LLC, and leading programs that celebrate dignity and opportunity for youth, such as her Prom Dress Drive & Pop-Up Shoppes campaign. A recognized poet, public speaker, and community connector, Seryn continues to use her talents to amplify voices often left unheard, foster community-centered solutions, and inspire systemic change locally and nationally.
• University of Louisville - BSed
• 2022 Cities United Young Leader Fellow
• 2020 Beta Epsilon Soror of the Year
• Louisville Urban League Young Professionals
• Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated
• National Panhellenic Council
• PINK Campus Team
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to God.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Be true to yourself and your values. There is never an opportunity worth compromising them; other, better doors will open. Listen to your intuition and trust that each decision is the right one in its moment.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Challenges include federal grant cuts that removed significant funding across the network, forcing some programs to close and leaving others searching for replacement funds. Opportunities include growing national recognition of the field and the chance to expand networks and secure independent funding to sustain the work.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity, being able to show up unapologetically as oneself, respect for input, and continuous professional growth and learning.