NAAHP Blog

What is your occupation and academic background and how did you come to work in this field?

Sindy Eugene, known as The Student Pathfinder is the Founder/President of Global Youth Empowerment Movement, Inc. which includes Youth for Prosperity, Inc. a 501c3 organization where their mission is to help transform the lives of students, build stronger families and reshape the face of the community at large. She is also the visionary of both My VOICE Matters & I Bridge the Gap initiative geared to reminding parents and teaching children how to partner with each other to increase success as well as move from a mindset of “We Can’t” to “We Can”. She holds a BA Degree in Psychology and MS Degree in Higher Education from Florida International University as well as a MS Degree in Religious Education from Liberty University. Family is very near and dear to Sindy’s heart. She knows first-hand the disparities children and their parents face when the home is divided due to an absent father; an over worked mother trying to provide for her four children with little to no help of their father; cultural identity crisis for a young Haitian-American living in Miami growing up in the early 80’s, as well as being a first-generation student burdened to make something of herself with little to no guidance. Her life struggles and professional journey collided with her passion in 2009 which is when both organizations were established. Today, Sindy Eugene’s programs, workshops and motivational messages has landed her several magazine features, local recognition and international speaking engagements (www.sindyeugene.com)

What is the biggest challenge of your work?

The biggest challenge for me is securing long term funding to sustain the programs and services we provide that has impacted the lives of parents, children and the communities in Miami-Dade County. The need is great as the family identity is deteriorating daily as cataclysmic events continue to rise in South Florida as it relates to the children, parents and families.

Identify one or two of your proudest achievements?

One of my proudest achievements was publishing two books in 2014 entitled Your Major: 7 Strategies to Choosing the Right One along with 12 Steps to Bridge the Gap Between You and Your Child.

What leaders, thinkers or doers do you admire most?

The leaders I admire the most are Michelle Obama, Ellen Degenerous and Esther from the Bible. All these women share one thing in common and that is to help others live better lives, love for children and passion for families overall.

Where do you see yourself in ten years?

In ten years I see myself traveling the world as the voice for families. I see myself with a Community Center that serves families, parents and children in both Dade and Broward County as well as Haiti.

What would be your advice to young people who want their careers and lives to have impact?

Stay focused on your passion and your purpose. Be willing to go through the process of evolving for growth is key in life. Your passion will always bring you back to your core while your purpose will lead you in the right path towards your destiny.

Did you have a mentor or do you mentor someone else? How has that experience changed you?

I do have 3 mentors that are instrumental in my growth. However, the one that remains number one for me is God. That is right, I said God. It is He that has placed key individuals in my life during each season of my life to help push, pull, or pray me through each stage. It is He that has guided me to the few coaches I have had in the past that have poured into my life. I am a mentor to youth, young adults and parents. I believe the detours I took were for me to learn, experience and one day help inspire others through my testimony. Being a mentor to someone else helps a lot keep me humble, driven and focused. The journey to success can be tough but knowing that I have others watching and waiting keeps me soaring.