Sylvia Waynick, MBA, BBA
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 Lead 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.
• PhD, Business Administration and Management
• Master of Business Administration
• Project Management Masters Certification
• BBA, Business, Marketing, Finance
• Capella University – PhD, Business Administration and Management, General
• Warren National University – Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• University of Phoenix – Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), Business, Marketing, Finance
• American Project Management – Project Management Masters Certification
• Veteran, U.S. Navy - Honorable
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a combination of factors: a family culture that values education, perseverance, and a lifelong commitment to learning. Embracing adaptability and growth has enabled me to turn challenges into opportunities, seek feedback, and continually develop my skills, allowing me to thrive in both nonprofit and corporate environments. I also credit the mentors and colleagues who have guided and supported me along the way; building strong professional relationships and learning from their experiences has been instrumental in my development. I believe in empowering yourself through continued education and surrounding yourself with people who challenge you—leadership is not given, it is cultivated.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The most impactful advice I received came from one of my mentors, Frank Bonder, who encouraged me to "continuously invest in my education and professional development". His guidance played a pivotal role in my successful transition from the corporate sector to leadership within the nonprofit field.
What 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 the development of 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 this industry is significant, and your leadership truly matters. Most importantly, strive to build and define your own professional identity.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I am driven by integrity, purpose, and a deep commitment to creating lasting, positive change in the communities I serve. I value collaboration, prioritize mentorship, and lead with authenticity, ensuring that my professional and personal actions consistently reflect my core values and dedication to service.