Meet The 2022 Ignite And Shine Gala Emcee - Sylvia Ewing

We're thrilled to announce that this year's Ignite & Shine Gala Emcee will be long-time Ignite supporter and Principal Director of Strategic Partnerships at Elevate, Sylvia Ewing.

Sylvia will be joined by our CEO, Stephanie Piccirilli, along with several of our Executive Board members, as we guide you through this incredible evening. You'll hear from Sylvia firsthand on why she supports the important work at Ignite, and why she has dedicated her career to helping nonprofits grow.

Sylvia currently serves as the Principal Director, Strategic Partnerships and Communication at Elevate. Sylvia has worked on both sides of the microphone, helping nonprofits communicate effectively, implement strategic plans, manage change, and produce events and as an award-winning journalist in radio, television, and print. She was formerly an adjunct professor at Columbia College Chicago, teaching courses on Leadership and Management in the Business and Entrepreneurship Department. Sylvia has developed accessible affordable housing and worked for positive change in reproductive rights and in public education. As a consultant, she has produced countless successful public and private events at venues around the city, as well as raised significant revenue for her clients and employers. Sylvia can be seen on WTTW and around the country as an on-air television host for PBS fundraising specials.

Sylvia has a focus on the use of appreciative inquiry, mission and value-based communications and meeting people where they are. She is particularly sensitive to collaborating with people who have been disenfranchised to help them unleash their full potential and tackle barriers of inequity and injustice. Sylvia helps individuals and organizations to find hidden assets and to build community with others. 

Sylvia is an inductee in The History Makers African American archives for media. The Comfort and Joy: Stories of Hope Meditations for Happiness author is also a popular moderator and keynote speaker, reaching thousands of people each year on behalf of various civic and cultural groups. She has served as Board Chair for Kartemquin Films, served on the Chicago Women Take Action board, and on the advisory boards for the Center for Performing Arts at Governors State University and Chicago Blues Revival.