Sylvia Waynick, MBA, BBA

Director, Membership and Corporate Development, Arizona Housing Coalition (AZHC)

Phoenix, AZ 85014

1Award received

Certifications · Degrees · Memberships

Degree Capella University – PhD, Business Administration and Management, General Degree Warren National University – Master of Business Administration (MBA) Degree University of Phoenix – Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), Business, Marketing, Finance Degree American Project Management – Project Management Masters Certification Cert PhD, Business Administration and Management Cert Master of Business Administration Cert Project Management Masters Certification Cert BBA, Business, Marketing, Finance

Her Story

About Sylvia

Sylvia Waynick is an accomplished nonprofit and corporate development professional with more than 17 years of experience advancing organizational growth, strengthening membership engagement, and supporting community advocacy initiatives. As the Membership and Corporate Development Director at the Arizona Housing Coalition, she directs statewide strategies to expand and support the Coalition’s membership network, secure funding through sponsorships, grants, and philanthropic contributions, and cultivate partnerships with government agencies and nonprofit organizations. Her work directly advances the Coalition’s mission to end homelessness and promote safe, affordable housing throughout Arizona.

Sylvia’s career spans both the corporate and nonprofit sectors, where she has held a variety of leadership roles. She has managed key project initiatives at JPMorgan Chase, led foreclosure prevention efforts with the Arizona Foreclosure Prevention Task Force, and served as a Managing Partner at Global Equity Investors, where she co-managed investment portfolios. Her extensive background in project management, corporate strategy, and community outreach enables her to navigate complex organizational landscapes while delivering meaningful, measurable results.

She brings strong academic credentials to her work, including doctoral studies in Business Administration and Management at Capella University, an MBA from Warren National University, and a BBA from the University of Phoenix. She also holds a Master’s-level Project Management Certification.

Deeply committed to empowering women and supporting professional development, Sylvia is inspired by her mentors and her dedication to service. She aims to leverage her leadership and experience as a public speaker to motivate and inspire the next generation of professionals. Throughout her career, she has championed mission-driven leadership, strategic relationship-building, and innovative problem-solving to drive positive community impact.

Her Interview

Ten minutes with Sylvia

01What do you attribute your success to?

My success is rooted in a strong foundation of family values that taught me the importance of education, resilience, and never stopping the pursuit of knowledge. I have come to believe that challenges are often disguised opportunities, and growth happens when we embrace change with courage and curiosity. By staying adaptable, welcoming feedback, and committing to continuous improvement, I’ve been able to evolve with every step of my journey. I also owe much to the mentors and colleagues who invested in me, challenged me, and helped shape my perspective. Their guidance reinforced a belief I carry deeply: empower yourself through learning, surround yourself with people who elevate you, and remember that leadership is not granted—it is earned, developed, and cultivated over time.

02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?

The most impactful advice I received was from my mentor, Frank B., who urged me to continuously invest in education and professional development. His mentorship was foundational to my career path and success.

03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?

Believe in your voice and your capacity to lead. Both the nonprofit and corporate sectors benefit from the strength and innovation that women bring. Remain resilient, embrace constructive feedback, and step forward confidently when leadership opportunities present themselves. Prioritize developing strong professional relationships early in your career. Surround yourself with individuals who both support and challenge you, and recognize the lasting value of mentorship. Success in this field is often shaped by the quality of your collaborations and the way you engage with others.

Continue to develop your skills, stay grounded in your purpose, and uplift those around you. The impact you can make in any industry is significant, and your leadership truly matters. Most importantly, strive to build and define your own professional identity.

04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?

The values that are most important to me in my personal life are integrity, continuous learning, trust, and meaningful and trusted relationships. I strive to be honest, dependable, and authentic in my interactions, building trust through consistency, accountability, and being present. I approach new experiences with curiosity, an open mind, and a commitment to personal growth. I also believe in forging my own path rather than simply following conventional routes, as doing so creates opportunities for innovation, discovery, and meaningful impact. These values guide my decisions, strengthen my relationships, and contribute to both personal fulfillment and professional success.

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