Her Story
About Silvia
Silvia Lacy is an accomplished accounting and financial operations professional serving as Accounts Payable Lead at the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, where she has spent more than eight years supporting the organization’s nationwide network of more than 70 chapters. In her role, she oversees accounts payable operations, reviews vendor contracts, manages corporate card and expense processes, develops policies and standard operating procedures, and provides training and onboarding for staff. She also works closely with finance leadership to improve workflows, strengthen compliance, and support fundraising initiatives that advance the Foundation’s mission. With more than 15 years of experience in accounting and finance, Lacy brings expertise in accounts payable and receivable, Workday Financials, audit and compliance, vendor management, and process improvement.
Lacy began her career in government and private-sector financial roles, including positions with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, where she managed accounts payable and receivable activities, supported regulatory compliance, and helped resolve complex financial and transaction issues. Her experience also includes credit analysis and banking, giving her a broad perspective on financial operations, risk management, and organizational efficiency. She earned her bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Maryland Baltimore County and holds certifications in accounts payable and procure-to-pay management. Throughout her career, Lacy credits the encouragement and mentorship of women leaders, along with her own perseverance, as important factors in her success. She particularly values the guidance of mentors who challenged and supported her as she navigated career transitions and continued to grow professionally.
Beyond her technical expertise, Lacy is motivated by meaningful work and a commitment to helping others. She believes in treating people with kindness and respect, continuing to learn, asking questions, and volunteering for opportunities that foster growth. She encourages emerging professionals—particularly young women—to seek training, embrace new challenges, acknowledge when they do not have all the answers, and pursue work that genuinely matters to them. Lacy also believes strongly in giving back, supporting causes such as the Montgomery County Homeless Coalition and local shelters. Guided by the principle of leaving the world better than she found it, she brings a combination of financial discipline, compassion, resilience, and service to both her professional and personal life.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Silvia
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute much of my success to the wonderful women who have supported and encouraged me throughout my career. Some of my earliest opportunities came from women who opened doors for me. My boss, Denise Hammond, was one of those people. Her kindness and the way she supported me left a lasting mark on me. Throughout my different jobs and career experiences, I have continued to meet remarkable women who have opened doors, provided opportunities, and helped shape my path.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I received came from my dad: never give up on yourself. Anyone else can give up on you, but you cannot give up on yourself. Throughout all of the pivots and changes in my career, I have learned the importance of being willing to reinvent myself, adapt to new circumstances, and continue moving forward without giving up on myself.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would encourage young women to get as much training as they can, ask questions, and volunteer to be involved in as many projects as possible. Do not be afraid to say, “I don’t know.” Be willing to learn and get involved as much as you can. Most importantly, find something you genuinely enjoy and are passionate about. That can make the difference between staying and growing in a career and becoming burned out and leaving too soon.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges is finding ways to stand out in an increasingly crowded field. Facing rejection can be difficult, but it is important not to let it discourage you. We have to become more creative and make use of the relationships and connections we have built. I believe it is also important to start with what you are passionate about. At the same time, there are many opportunities, particularly for women who want to start their own businesses or reevaluate and pivot their careers. There is a great deal of innovation and opportunity to create new paths.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
One of the most important values I live by is treating others the way I would like to be treated and simply being kind. I try to leave the world better than I found it. That can mean something as simple as feeding a bird or animal, providing water on a hot day, or lending my talents to something I am passionate about. I believe that small acts of kindness and meaningful contributions can make a difference.
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