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Sylvia Dunnavant is a writer, photographer, poet who resides in Dallas, Texas with her son Jaysen. She has a communications degree with an emphasis in journalism from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Ms. Dunnavant was ordained by Bishop T. D. Jakes, Senior Pastor, of the Potter’s House in Dallas, Texas.

Ms. Dunnavant, who has studied under the world renowned speaker, Les Brown, is in demand as a public speaker. She is the founder of the Celebrating Life Foundation. This non-profit organization, teaches breast-cancer awareness. Under her leadership the organization has developed and distributed over a million breast self exam cards to churches and civic organization across the country. The organization has also worked with major corporations across the country and has assisted breast health education projects in the Virgin Islands, Africa, and the Netherlands.

Sylvia’s most recent work, Celebrating Life: African American Women Speak Out About Breast Cancer, has been recognized with national and state awards. She has received citations from the state of Wisconsin for her journalistic accomplishments, a Georgia State Senate Resolution for her efforts with breast cancer awareness, the “1996 Trail Blazer Award,” from the South Dallas Business and Professional Women’s Club, the “Emerging Leader Award,” from the African American Museum in Dallas, and the “She Knows Where She is Going Award,” for the Dallas Chapter of Girls Inc, and “Outstanding Young Woman of America,” from Dollars & Sense Magazine.

In 2000, she received the KKDA – Radio “African American Hero Award” as well as Iota Phi Lambda “Business Woman of the Year Award.” In 2005, she received the “Woman of Influence Award,” from Agape Christina Fellowship church, an acknowledgment for her work with breast cancer survivor’s from Girlfriend’s Coffee Talk, as well as the “Unsung Hero Award,” form the Texas Peace Officers Association.

She is author of An Affair of the Heart, a volume of poetry, and the editor of the Pastor’s Pen, by the Reverend J. Lee Foster. She coordinated the photography for Dallas Cowboy’s all-star running back Emmitt Smith’s 1995 calendar, which included many of her personal pictures. Her photographs also appear in the Emmitt Zone, Mr. Smith’s autobiography. In addition, Dunnavant has published seven books under her label, Black Pearl Publishing. Ms. Dunnavant’s work has been published in national magazines including Jet and Essence Magazine. She also writes the weekly religion section for the Dallas Examiner.

Ms. Dunnavant is a recipient of the Kizzy Image and Achievement Award. The Kizzy Award is presented by the Black Women’s Hall of Fame Foundation in recognition of young women who have achieved excellence in their academic and professional undertaking in spite of racial and sexual discrimination.

Ms Dunnavant is currently working on her new books, “Diamonds Don’t Beg,*” * “Finding it at Fifty,” and the second version of her breast cancer book, *“Still Celebrating Life.”