About Sylvia D Wray "The Advocate"

Sylvia Dennis-Wray, originally hailing from Perry, GA but raised in Linden, NJ, embarked on a remarkable journey that has touched the lives of many. Her career began in the corporate realm, where she held pivotal positions in renowned companies such as Schering-Plough Healthcare, Johnson & Johnson, and Luxottica. However, her life took a different turn when she returned to Georgia in 2005, igniting her entrepreneurial spirit and opening a restaurant business alongside her husband, Orville "Scottie" Wray.

During the formative stages of her business venture, life threw a significant challenge her way when her mother, Ruby Dennis, suffered a ruptured brain aneurysm. Sylvia stepped into the role of her mother's caregiver, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to family and responsibility.

In 2006, another setback arose when Sylvia's mother underwent another brain surgery, which left her with Dementia. In the same year, Sylvia and her husband made their mark by opening "Sands Island Bar & Grill" in downtown McDonough and initiating "The McDonough Jerk Festival." It was during this time that they decided to give back to their community through their involvement with "The Walk To End Alzheimer’s," marking the beginning of Sylvia's deeper connection with the cause.

Little did Sylvia know that her choice to support Alzheimer's would lead her on a profound journey of dedication and service. Her involvement with Peachtree City's "Walk To End Alzheimer’s" ignited a new calling within her. Sylvia was guided by a higher purpose to establish an Alzheimer's and Dementia Caregivers Support Group in Henry County. In the same year, she was inspired to start the Henry County Walk To End Alzheimer’s.

Approaching the Georgia Chapter, Sylvia's determination and vision were recognized, and they approved the establishment of a mini walk in Henry County, spun off from the Greater Atlanta Walk, with Sylvia taking on the role of Walk Chair. In just two years, the Henry County Walk To End Alzheimer’s experienced significant growth, leading to its official recognition by the Georgia Chapter in 2018.

Sylvia's commitment to the Alzheimer's cause deepened in 2018, with her becoming not only the Event Chair of the Henry County Walk To End Alzheimer’s but also the Facilitator of the Alzheimer’s & Dementia Caregivers Support Group. In addition to these roles, she took on the responsibility of being the producer of the play "Memory Laine," directed by Chris Scott and written by Camille Fitzsimmonds.

In 2019, God had more plans for Sylvia to get involved in Clayton County as well. She became the Marketing & Events Coordinator at the Alzheimer’s Services Center and started the Clayton County Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregivers Support Group. In October 2019, she took on the position of Executive Director at the Alzheimer’s Services Center in Clayton County.

In 2020, when the world faced the challenges of COVID-19, the center temporarily closed its doors. Nevertheless, Sylvia and her team secured a $50,000 grant from Clayton County Hud to address the food needs of Clayton County citizens. Starting from August 21, 2020, their efforts successfully provided food to over 2500 people. Furthermore, they participated in the USDA Farmers to Families Food Program in partnership with Melissa Ellis, CEO of Life Beyond Waters, distributing over 65,000 food boxes in the Metro Atlanta area from November 2020 through May 2021!

Sylvia stepped into her role as "The Advocate" in 2024, launching her personal brand Sylvia D Wray “The Advocate” that champions those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and any other related Dementias and their caregivers. Her key focus is advocating for the caregivers. Through her platform, she aims to raise awareness, provide support and create a network for caregivers and inspire others to take action and find their voice.  It also serves as a hub for public speaking, business consulting, social advocacy, workshops, coaching, and content creation, designed to drive innovation and foster positive change. Building on her desire to connect with and serve her community, she further established SDW Bling Boutique at the end of the year, offering affordable bling jewelry that reflect her values and resonates with her audience.

Sylvia holds a bachelor’s degree in Sales & Marketing and is currently working on her Certification as a Dementia Expert. She is the CEO & owner of SDW Marketing Firm, Sylvia D Wray “The Advocate,” and SDW Bling Boutique, Co-Founder of the McDonough Jerk Festival, and a Leader in Southern Crescent Women in Business Chapter. She’s on two Board of Directors, Home of the Brave and Living Well Adult Day Care. SDW Marketing Firm has a partnership with Holy Connection TV. She is a loving wife, has 1 daughter, 3 sons and 7 grandchildren.

In addition to her impressive career and community involvement, Sylvia engaged in an enlightening interview where she shared insights about her journey and the challenges she encountered in her career. Despite facing bias and discrimination in the corporate world, Sylvia's determination and unwavering spirit led her to pursue further education, ultimately earning her associate and bachelor's degrees. She discussed discrimination she witnessed while volunteering with a large non-profit organization and her efforts to address it by diversifying her team to achieve more favorable outcomes. Sylvia also shed light on her initiatives to support and uplift other Black women in the business community, emphasizing the importance of women's organizations and resource utilization within these networks.

Furthermore, Sylvia shared valuable insights into prioritizing self-care and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. She highlighted the significance of beginning her day with prayer, regular exercise, maintaining a healthy diet, and practicing self-care twice a month to prevent burnout. Her advice underscored the critical importance of self-care in pursuing professional goals.

In conclusion, Sylvia Dennis-Wray's journey is an inspiring testament to dedication, compassion, and community impact. Her commitment to Alzheimer's advocacy and support for caregivers is a shining example of the power of empathy and the positive change one individual can bring to their community. Sylvia's ongoing efforts continue to uplift and inspire those around her, earning her numerous accolades and recognitions, including the "2021 Southern Crescent Women in Business Non-Profit of the Year Award," "2022 National Women's History Month Award," the "2023 Top 50 Southern Crescent Women of Influence”, and the “2024 Solo Cover Award” and many others. Sylvia Dennis-Wray is not just a remarkable individual; she is a true force for good in her community and beyond.