Meet Sydney Gates

 

We recently connected with Sydney Gates and have shared our conversation below.

Sydney, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?

As a black woman, there are many occasions that lead to me being the only person in the room that looks like me. Being in the minority in a professional or social setting can often feel isolating and intimidating. These situations have only driven me to keep going so that I can create more spaces for people that look like me. I have learned to advocate for myself and my work with confidence. It’s also important for me to seek out mentors and allies that look like me that may have already encountered the same situations. Being the only one in the room who looks like me has taught me valuable lessons in self-advocacy, resilience, and the importance of building strong relationships.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’m a full-time freelance screenwriter and R&B artist. I’ve been writing since I was 11 and singing since I was 3. The most exciting thing about my career is the people I meet and the art I create. My career has placed me in rooms with some of Hollywood’s biggest names. It’s also given me opportunities to create music and scripts for a couple of those names. One of films will be included in a film festival this summer! A few more of my scripts will be filmed this summer. I’m also working on my album and I can’t wait to share it with you guys.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Patience, Resilience, and Discernment! Good things come to those who wait! You have to be patient but continue to invest in yourself and put the work in. Always remain resilient! You are going to get so many no’s before someone gives you your yes. Don’t let that deter you from your goals. Remember to have discernment! While everyone may not be out to get you, everyone does not wish you well. Be able to truly observe a situation and understand and judge the situation clearly. Having discernment keeps you out of so many situations that could otherwise end horribly.

Alright, so before we go we want to ask you to take a moment to reflect and share what you think you would do if you somehow knew you only had a decade of life left?

Currently, I’m dealing with the constant feeling of being overwhelmed. As someone who’s currently a grad student, an artist, and a screenwriter, it always feels like I don’t have time for everything. It’s extremely hard to keep a schedule and manage it properly. Everyday I’m finding new ways to make time for myself and my relationship as well as my crafts and school work.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Cameron Fuller
Deontae Holloway
Muhaymin Luckett

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