Facilitator
Sylvia Hadnot (she/them) is a multicultural educator who brings real-world knowledge and experience into her educational endeavors. Sylvia has performed jazz piano at the Triple Door and the Paramount, among other jazz houses. She launched her own benefit events company at age 22 to support local artists in the city. She has written youth curricula for social-emotional health, college and career readiness, and environmental justice. Between all of her activities and work, Sylvia also found the time to complete a Master’s in Education, focusing on Anti-Racist and Urban Environmental Education.
Perpetually interested in the growth and success of those around her, Sylvia has been interested in education since age 5. With several years of classroom teaching experience, from working with students in the King County Youth Detention Center to special populations, Sylvia is excited to work in the classroom from a different perspective, by supporting teachers in social-emotional learning for diverse scholars.
Born and raised in Seattle, Sylvia grew up in the Beacon Hill neighborhood before moving to Shoreline to attend high school. She now lives in South Lake Union with her black cat, Jabari, and her dog, Kareem.
What do you like to do outside of work?
Walk my neighborhood with Kareem, study the latest in equitable classroom practices, stretch in a yoga class, mosey around at a plant sale, and ride the light rail to networking events.
What’s one of your proudest moments?
Graduating cum laude from undergrad university.
What are people most surprised to learn about you?
I can play drums!
What drew you to BELONG Partners?
I deeply appreciate the work BELONG Partners does in school systems design. As a formally trained environmental educator, I pride myself in being a systems thinker. It’s a joy to bring this way of thinking to classrooms to help interrupt and dismantle the school-to-prison pipeline.