Featured Member February 2020 - Sydonie Neysmith
Each month we feature a member of the Jamaican Women of Florida as a way for us to learn more about each other and share the stories of the powerful women who make up this wonderful organization. February’s featured member is Sydonie Neysmith. We’re proud to have her as a member!
Sydonie Neysmith — CEO of Black Swan Events, Inc. and Real Estate Broker
Ms. Sydonie Neysmith is a Real Estate Broker, the CEO of Black Swan Events Inc., and an FP&A professional. Over the years, her leadership has successfully impacted South Florida community organizations, including the Broward Outreach Center, Broward Schools, and Miami Dade Schools. Sydonie continues to develop “The SWAN Circle,” a program she spearheaded in efforts of aligning high school girls with successful women that will serve as mentors through college years. She holds 20+ years of industry experience and has worked with a wide range of Fortune 1000 companies to enhance their financial and strategic planning processes. Currently, this Accredited Event Designer runs a successful event management company, Black Swan Events Inc. She is also a strong advocate of health awareness, community service, and mentoring. Ms. Neysmith is a licensed Real Estate Broker, where her focus is on commercial properties and real estate investments. This recent graduate of the Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship holds an MBA from the Huizenga School of Business, Nova Southeastern University, and a Bachelor of Science in Business from Concordia College. Sydonie is the proud mother of a Wellesley College graduate who is now a paralegal in Manhattan and will be moving on to pursue a Law degree in June 2020.
DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN 3/5 WORDS?
Energetic, Passionate and Focused
WHAT MOTIVATES ME?
Not too long ago, the easy answer was, “My little daughter.” She was the driving force for everything I did. Now that she is a woman who is doing a fantastic job of making strides of her own, that motivation became admiration. Today my motivation stems from the little girl in me who continues to follow her dreams.
WHAT TAKES UP TOO MUCH OF YOUR TIME?
Responding to emails! Can you relate? As an entrepreneur wearing multiple hats, I am often on the go. I have many email addresses; therefore, I am constantly checking, sending, and responding to emails. These are emails that I personally have to address. While this is necessary, it can be very time-consuming.
WHO HAS IMPRESSED YOU MOST WITH WHAT THEY'VE ACCOMPLISHED?
This is easy – my daughter. I am so proud of her journey, her accomplishments and the woman that she has become. She knows who she is, knows what she wants and is strategic in her approach to life. She is sharp, focused and deliberate with her actions. Yet, she is simple, likeable and cute. She makes me very proud.
WHAT AGE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD PERMANENTLY BE, AND WHY?
I have a picture of myself at about seven years old. I was wearing a red dress and the best pair of shoes I had at the time. I stood against the rocks at the seaside in Portland, and I posed and smiled. I was happy, hopeful, and full of energy. Today that little girl lives within me. She signifies hope, resilience, and progress. I do not wish to be any age permanently because that little girl will always be with me no matter my age. With age comes celebration, and every year, I celebrate the knowledge and experiences that I have acquired.
WHAT HAS BEEN OR IS YOUR PROUDEST MOMENTS(S)?
Fortunately, I have many proud moments, but I must say that passing my “common entrance” (now GSAT) was a one I would never forget. Going to Titchfield High School was a big deal in my community and was my ultimate goal. I was very proud that I was able to do so.
HOW DO YOU RELAX AFTER A HARD DAY OF WORK?
Wine, dine, and jazz. Though I am always on the go, I enjoy being at home. I cook as often as I can and enjoy my meal with a fine glass of wine. Alexa knows what time to chime in as she plays my favorite Jazz mixes.
WHAT WAS THE BEST BOOK OR SERIES THAT YOU’VE EVER READ?
“Who moved my Cheese” by Spencer Johnson. This book is simple and impactful. It’s a story about change that can be applied to both work and personal life. It shows the contrast between people who proactively take action before the change and people who react after the change. The book is an easy read, and it’s about planning, it’s about dealing with circumstances; it’s about complacency, relatable and straightforward, even a child could read it..
WHY JWOF?
I was introduced to JWOF by a close friend who is a member. She thought that it would be a great group for me to consider. She described a group of women that are about progress, mentorship, and community. Since I’ve joined, I am happy to say that I have discovered the same qualities within this sisterhood.