Councilwoman Sylvia R. Mayfield-Chess
Alpha Class HonoreeSylvia R. Mayfield-Chess is a dynamic leader with extensive experience in community service, organizational development, and advocacy. She specializes in fostering collaboration between organizations and communities, always centering equity, service, and inclusivity in her work. Since relocating from Fort Worth, Texas, to Fairborn, Ohio, in 2019, Mrs. Chess has emerged as a trailblazer in civic leadership and entrepreneurship. In 2023, she was elected as the first Black City Councilwoman in Fairborn (2023–2027), making history as a voice for progress and diversity. She also became the first Black entrepreneur to establish both an urban and African retail store in downtown Fairborn, and the first Black sole proprietor of a 20,000-square-foot commercial property in the city. That property now serves as an incubator for over fourteen minority-owned small businesses, strengthening the local economy while creating pathways of opportunity. Her achievements have earned recognition across Ohio, including being named a Community Gem by the Dayton Daily News and Spectrum News in 2023, as well as being selected for the Who’s Who Club. Despite facing threats and opposition from white supremacist groups, Mrs. Chess has remained steadfast in her mission to uplift her community and create lasting change. A servant leader at heart, she is the Charter President of the National Council of Negro Women, Fairborn/Greene County Section (est. 2025), and an active member of the Springfield, Ohio Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, and Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. She also contributes her leadership to the Coretta Scott King Center in Yellow Springs, the Greene County Regional Planning Committee, and the Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission. She previously served as a board member of the Fairborn Lions Club (2023–2025). Mrs. Chess’s leadership has also extended to national platforms. From 2022 to 2024, she collaborated with agencies nationwide to help more than 400 formerly incarcerated individuals from 35 states successfully transition into sustainable careers through Commercial Driver’s License training. She previously served as President of American Legion Auxiliary Unit 838 (2014–2017), which ranked #1 in the nation in 2016, and was featured over ten times in the organization’s national magazine. Her service also included appointment as the National Membership Chairperson for the Auxiliary. Earlier in her career, she served as District 73 Precinct Chairperson in Fort Worth, Texas (2017), and as Basileus of Gamma Iota Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., at Paul Quinn College (2013–2014). An accomplished academic, Mrs. Chess is currently pursuing a PhD in Human Services and Leadership. She holds a Master’s in Public Administration from Texas Southern University, a Bachelor’s in Legal Studies from Paul Quinn College (Magna Cum Laude, 2014), and additional studies in Criminal Justice at Southern University in Shreveport, Louisiana. She earned her real estate certificate from Sinclair College (2023) along with multiple leadership certifications from various universities. Beyond her public roles, Mrs. Chess is also a published author, currently compiling her stage productions and developing fictional series for adults and children. Born in a shotgun house in Longview, Texas, she has risen to embody servant leadership at every stage of her journey. She is a wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, friend, advisor, advocate for vulnerable populations, breast cancer survivor, and a passionate champion of positive community change. Guided by Paul Quinn College’s “Four L” principles and the “WE OVER ME” philosophy, Councilwoman Sylvia R. Mayfield-Chess leads with integrity, accountability, and faith. She believes true leadership is measured not by titles, but by service to others, the example you set, and the legacy you leave behind. |
ALPHA CLASS HONOREES FUNDRAISER6%
Goal:
$350.00
Collected:
$20.00
The Alpha Class Honorees have joined together with a powerful purpose—to raise $10,000 in support of scholarships and program initiatives that will directly impact students. This collective effort reflects their commitment to giving back, creating opportunities, and ensuring the next generation have the resources they need to thrive. Every dollar raised goes toward building brighter futures, and with your support, their shared goal can become a lasting legacy of impact and empowerment.
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