A brief synopsis about sylvia chess
Sylvia Chess, Candidate
During her childhood, Sylvia Rena Mayfield-Chess lived in the Piney Woods of East Texas. She lived in the home of Ira and Bessie Mae Thomas who were servant leaders and entrepreneurs in their community. In Sylvia's grandparents' home, she was taught the value of servant leadership, caring for the elderly, and helping anyone who needed assistance. As a result of this experience, she learned that the needs of the community always take precedence over the wants of individuals because selfish individuals destroy the fabric of communities. She is the youngest daughter of Sylvester (Cherokee) Mayfield and Elaine Thomas (now Smith). Sylvia attended Longview Public Schools along with her siblings. Sylvia Chess is the wife of retired Air Force veteran James D. Chess III as well as the mother of two sons, Ira Thomas and Lee Randolph, Jr. Sylvia has four grandchildren, D'Aire, Sariah, Kayliah, and Eliza.
Since 1989, Sylvia has worked in the transportation industry where she has become the first female in many departments in an industry dominated by men. Throughout her career, Sylvia broke several barriers and paved the way for women in the trucking industry, especially in terms of pay and promotion. Her previous experience includes working as a truck driver in the beer, food, and oil field industries in Texas and Louisiana, as well as various mid-level management positions in safety and operations. After completing her education, she served as a teacher for over five years and owned a couple of small businesses, including a 135-seat soulfood restaurant in East Texas.
As part of her academic career, she attended Southern University at Shreveport (SUSLA) where she served as the president of the Criminal Justice Club, the president of the Non-Traditional Student Club, and a community advocate for students with learning disabilities. As a result of this experience, Sylvia attended Paul Quinn College (PQC) in Dallas, Texas. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies. She quickly realized she was multipotential and a serial entrepreneur, and her desire to always give was a gift. Sylvia participated in a wide range of community service projects, organizations, and development projects while attending PQC. Even though she was a non-traditional student, she decided to join the Gamma Iota Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. While serving as the Chief Manager for the Fundraising and Philanthropy Development Department, she organized the Alpha Chi National Honor Society, the Non-Traditional Student Organization, One-Stop Theatre, PQC Pre-Law Conference, Forensic Science, and MLK 50th Anniversary March. During Sylvia's last year at PQC, she was a Senior Leasing Agent at a major mall, where she acquired over 45% of new small business owners, bringing the total lease capacity to 95%.
In addition to her undergraduate degree, Sylvia also earned a Master's degree in Public Administration from Texas Southern University (TSU). The California School of Law accepted Sylvia as a student after she took the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT). Her attendance was limited to half a semester before experiencing personal difficulties that prevented her from continuing. At Capella University, she is currently completing her dissertation as a Ph.D. candidate in Human Services with a concentration in Leadership.
Throughout her academic career, Sylvia has received several awards and scholarships, including the first Travon Martin Scholarship Award. She received an outstanding leadership award at the National Women of Color (WOC) STEM Conference. Sylvia has obtained additional certifications in strategic planning and rhetoric from Harvard University as a sponge for information and continuing education. The late Justice Antonin Scalia and Bryan A. Garner participated in several guest lectures at Southern Methodist University (SMU) where she attended as a guest pupil. Sylvia's ultimate goal is to continue the fight for equality, justice, and democracy for all people regardless of race, cultural background, sexual orientation, or educational status.
Throughout her career, Sylvia has been and will continue to be a servant leader and agent of change in East Texas, throughout the nation, and in Ohio. Sylvia's ethos is straightforward. WE over ME. As a result of PQC principles, Sylvia learned four leadership principles that have been her mantra ever since she was a child.
The Four L's of Quinnite Leadership
- LEAVE places better than you found them
- LEAD from wherever you are
- LIVE a life that matters
- Love something greater than yourself
The American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) was one of Sylvia's many organizations in which she served as a leader. In addition to serving as president of Emanuel L. Young Unit 838, she also served as the Texas ALA Legislative Chairperson, Public Relations Director, and Leasing Agent for the American Legion Post 838. In addition, Sylvia was appointed by the National ALA president to serve as the National Membership Chairperson for the Southern District, overseeing thirteen states, including Puerto Rico. In addition to achieving number one in membership in the nation, Sylvia achieved national recognition through several articles published in the ALA magazine. Through Sylvia's leadership, teams of youth were formed to support disabled veterans, and she led the teams in raising thousands of dollars for the benefit of the community. Additionally, she served as Tarrant County Precinct Chair for District 7.
Sylvia served as a Latin instructor for the Fort Worth Independent School District at the Young Men's Leadership Academy and the World Language Institute. After her contract was up, she worked for U.S. Xpress and was transferred to Springfield, Ohio as a Driver Development Specialist. As a curriculum designer and writer for the transportation industry, Sylvia wrote and designed lessons for a variety of learning disabilities. Over two hundred videos have been produced in collaboration with the Federal Bureau of Prisons in Connecticut and California to assist felons in transitioning into CDL programs and eventually into the workforce.
In her current position, Sylvia is the proprietor of several businesses in Downtown Fairborn, Ohio. She challenges the status quo regularly. Her boutique, African Utopia Boutique, Xtra Professional Development School, and XPD1 Trucking company are located at the Xtra Pro-Dev 101 Centre owned by Sylvia and her husband James. It is a well-known fact that she helps small businesses build their brand and offers them a platform for growth. Besides serving on the board of the Lions Club of Fairborn, she is also an ambassador for the Chamber of Commerce. As part of her commitment to supporting small businesses, she engages in detailed collaborations. She is also a member of the National Council of Negro Women, the National Organization of Human Services, and the American Legion Family.
https://africanutopiaboutique.com/
https://xtraprodev101centre.com/home
In addition to her writing passion, Sylvia enjoys writing and producing stage productions. She has produced over 10 stage productions and written over
thirty plays. Her published works include East Texas Soulfood and Historical Reflections. She has written a series of fiction novels entitled Eastbound Grind: Sweat and Tears, which have been edited and are ready for publication. Furthermore, she enjoys fishing, gardening, cooking, and engaging in wonderful conversations with anyone who wishes to spend time with her. Her love for God and people is infectious.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/449847729531988/
The Candidate top issues
A candidate capable of bringing all issues to a detailed discussion that promotes a strategic outcome for supporting small businesses is urgently needed in Fairborn, Ohio. Our economy will experience a healthy boost of energized results if we create a culture of sustainability and resourcefulness. Our goal is to become one of the leading cities for growth based on this principle.
We must provide more funding for the safety of our city as our city continues to grow. A significant step in the right direction would be to provide additional funding for law enforcement, fire departments, rehabilitation, and training for victims of abuse, felons, and recovering addicts. As our town continues to grow with a diverse population, the funding may be used to provide additional diversity and inclusion training for professionals.
Additionally, it is our objective to offer continued support to our youth and support programs that will help them build and grow in our wonderful community.
The Candidate Involvement
It has been Sylvia Chess' privilege to serve and lead in all the communities she has lived in over the past four decades. Serving veterans and their families as well as serving as Tarrant County's precinct chair, Sylvia works tirelessly to improve conditions in her community.
She has also participated in a number of fundraisers that have supported a wide array of community organizations that serve vulnerable populations. As a result of your candidate's natural ability to serve unselfishly, she has benefited many organizations, educational institutions, communities, and small businesses throughout the country.