Sylvia Sterling

What makes Sylvia Wildly Capable?

While being a single mom to two busy teens and a financial advisor, she also volunteers for various organizations around town in the name of financial literacy: SISU, Jump$tart, Oklahoma Council for Economic Education, and Junior Achievement are just a few places she spends her ‘extra’ time. SHERI GUYSE 

What makes you feel proud? 

I’m proud to be a part of wonderful organizations serving my city, like Midtown Rotary and Sisu Youth Services. I am also proud of my kids and the amazing young people they have become. It’s an honor to be their mom. 

Who is the biggest influence in your life? Why? 

My Aunt Bonnie had a tremendous influence on my life. She had a remarkable impact on our family and on me personally. I’m not sure where I would be without her support, guidance, and late-night talks. 

What’s been the biggest obstacle in your life so far? 

I was on my own at a very young age, which was challenging in many different ways. However, that experience helped me discover my own strength and taught me to be resilient. It also helped me understand the importance of managing my finances well (as limited as they might have been) and inspired my future career as a financial advisor and financial literacy advocate. 

One year from today, how do you hope you’re different? 

I believe in constant and never-ending growth, so a year from now, I hope to be a better version of who I am today – to know a little more, be a little kinder, and be a little more courageous. 

What’s the single biggest problem you’d like to solve in your community? 

Money touches nearly every aspect of our lives, and yet so few people understand personal finance well. I want to help people of all ages and walks of life feel empowered to make good financial decisions. It’s good for the individual, their families, and even our community and economy as a whole, because we are all connected. 

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? 

It will happen, but maybe not in the timeframe you would prefer. Like so many of us, I tend to be a bit impatient with my goals and life in general. This advice has helped me stay grounded in the long-term picture and be content with the progress that is occurring instead of focusing only on the end result.