Sylvan joined the LANL Foundation in 2019 as Grants Manager to oversee the expansion of the funding program and build community connection. She brings more than 20 years of experience researching, creating, piloting, implementing, and evaluating programs in government, nonprofit, and school settings, both nationally and internationally, with focus on youth, environment, governmental and community relations, public and behavioral health, and education.
Born in Botswana, Africa, and raised primarily overseas in various countries spanning Africa and the Middle East, Sylvan has strong family roots in Northern New Mexico that have brought her here throughout her lifetime. As a Third Culture Kid, she appreciates and celebrates New Mexico’s richly diverse, multicultural environment.
Sylvan is a dedicated advocate for social equity and youth voice and achievement. Most recently, she spent 10 years working with The Family YMCA in Los Alamos, the last five of which were spent serving as Director of the Los Alamos Teen Center. The LATC works with youth from surrounding communities, both on and off the hill, connecting them to enrichment programs, activities, events, and trainings that strengthen self-efficacy and resiliency.
Sylvan holds an MSc in Human Ecology from the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, Scotland. Her dissertation focused on youth-driven leadership and ecological literacy in a youth environmental program. Sylvan has a BA in Psychology from Whitman College in Walla Walla, WA. Her honors thesis explored community health and behavior prevention in Botswana.
As a mother of a rambunctious kiddo, Sylvan appreciates the daily reminders to play, learn, and explore the magic in every moment. She loves spending time immersed in art, music, and nature.
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