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My Mentor, Friend, and Just My Mom

My mother Sylvia L. Simmons is the greatest inspiration in my life. She has taught me, my brother and granddaughter to never let anyone take away your dreams! Here is my tribute to a beautiful strong woman.

A native of Washington, DC, Sylvia L. Simmons is a retired public affairs specialist and an extensive traveler within the United States, the Caribbean, and the Far East. She was educated in the DC Public School System, where she began writing poetry in her early teenage years.

She is listed in the 1996–2000 editions of Who's Who in the World, the 2000–2001 editions of Who's Who of American Women, and is listed as an Executive Member in the 2008–2009 edition of the Cambridge Who's Who Executive and Professional Registry.

As the founder and President of SiHoWa Publishing, Sylvia facilitates workshops and seminars, and proudly showcases literary talent such as J.D. Collection, a collection of poems for every age, by J. D. Howard. She is the editor of Purple Passion for the Arts, a quarterly newsletter featuring interviews with local, national and international talents, tips on writing and publishing upcoming events, president's letter and travel notes.

Currently, Sylvia is writing her next novel, Suspended in Time, as well as a how to book, Nine Rules to Clubbing after 50. Sylvia's poems: "Forever" appears in the 2006 publication of Echoes: Voices from Prince George's County Poets, "Rain" appears in the 2003 edition of Reflections, and "Soap" appears in the 40th Anniversary edition of Reflections, and "First Love" appears in the 41st edition of Reflections, a literary arts magazine published by Prince George's Community College. Sylvia also writes poetry for special occasions such as weddings and birthdays.

Sylvia has 25 years of Federal service working in various agencies: the offices of Senator Jacob Javits, Office of Economic Opportunity, Office of Management and Budget, the Commerce Department, Health Education and Welfare Teacher Core, US Trade Representative Office. Her dream job for thirteen years was at the Pennsylvania Avenue Development Corporation (PADC).

At PADC Sylvia was a public affairs specialist responsible for coordinating events on America's main street, Pennsylvania Avenue.

Sylvia received an annual Congressional Budget of $100,000 for program activities in John Marshall Park, Pershing Park, the Post Office Pavilion's Gazebo, and Freedom Plaza to be user friendly. Sylvia also submitted an annual events report to Congress and PADC's Board of Director.

Working in the position as public affairs specialist afforded Sylvia the opportunity to work behind the scenes on the Mayor's Special Events Task Force, Downtown Partnership Season of Song Committee, Executive Committee for DC's New Year's Eve Celebration on Pennsylvania Avenue, the inauguration committees of: President Clinton, Mayor Sharon Pratt Kelly, and Mayor Marion Barry. Sylvia was a member on the Executive Committee for the Million Man March of 1995. Sylvia also served as Secretary and Vice President of Community Relations for eleven years on the National Cherry Blossom Festival Committee. Sylvia has been on two friendship tours to Japan and host two Sayranaro parties, entertaining Japanese Congressmen and their wives, Sushi Chefs, Cherry Blossom Queens and the Good Will Ambassadors.

In addition to her many literary accomplishments, Sylvia also stepped into the world of acting where she portrayed the role of "Lena" in a video production of A Raisin in the Sun, performed in the play How I Learned to Drive as part of the Greek chorus, and in the role of "Grandma," and Samuel Beckett's play, Endgame, as "Nell." She continues to learn, grow, and share her experiences through the arts.

—Submitted by Lauren Warner
   Government Relations Coordinator,
   American Council on Education