Empowering College and Young Professional Women to Succeed
I’m Sydney Montgomery
I’m a Forbes 30 Under 30 Founder, TEDx Speaker, and the Executive Director of Barrier Breakers®, a faith-based education nonprofit that has helped 7,000+ first-generation, minority, and immigrant students achieve more than $490M in scholarships. We journey with our students from application to graduation to empower them to be the professionals they were called to be.
As a graduate of Princeton University and Harvard Law School, my faith has been the cornerstone of my journey as a purpose-driven entrepreneur. I am deeply committed to helping college women like you align your passions with your purpose. Together, we can navigate your transition from college to the professional world with confidence and grace. Let me guide you as you uncover and leverage your potential for a career filled with impact and fulfillment. I'm here to support your aspirations with real-world strategies, insights, and lessons I’ve learned along my journey.
Are you ready to unlock your full potential in college with the support of a dynamic community and expert guidance every step of the way?
The Women’s Networking & Mentorship Collective is a transformative program crafted for college women and recent graduates
ready to take charge of their academic, personal, and professional growth. Through expert-led networking skills training, live
Q&A sessions, exclusive content, a supportive private community, and personalized accountability partnerships, our program
provides the tools you need to succeed. With both free and affordable membership options, you’ll have access to live Q&A
sessions, our vibrant community, and additional resources to tackle monthly challenges and stay motivated. Join us to build
confidence, gain career clarity, and connect with like-minded women who are driven to thrive together.
TEDx: First-Generation Graduates Drive Business Success
With over 90,000 views, this talk centers on the experiences and power of first-generation college students to drive business success and innovation and tangible ways we can support first-generation college students in their professional careers.
Free Guides to Empower Your College and Career Journey
Mentorship, networking, and finding my authentic self were pivotal to my journey as a two-time 6-figure entrepreneur, Forbes 30 Under 30 awardee, and TEDx speaker. In these free guides, I give you the tools to find the right mentors, build confidence, and grow your network. Download these expert guides to unlock your full potential!
Finding Your Mentors: Learn how to connect with mentors who will help you succeed.
Breaking Free From Labels: Discover your true potential and let go of limiting beliefs.
Networking for College Success: Build connections that open doors for your future.
Encouraging college women to achieve professionally and personally.
The Serenity for Success podcast is the sanctuary for ambitious women on the move seeking a deeper connection to faith and purpose. Each week, we offer meditations to ground you and share insights from my journey as a two-time six-figure Christian entrepreneur and those of other successful women.
As the owner of The Empowered Collective, I am thrilled to mentor college women through monthly live Q&A sessions, curated webinars and lessons, and personalized guidance to help members achieve their goals. I foster a supportive and engaging environment, ensuring each member feels valued and empowered. With a passion for mentorship and a commitment to
your success, I will be there every step of the way, offering the tools, resources, and encouragement you need to thrive in college and beyond.
Supporting First-Generation Students Through Barrier Breakers®
As a woman of color who navigated both Princeton and Harvard, I intimately understand the obstacles faced by first-generation and marginalized students in achieving educational and career success. This inspired me to found Barrier Breakers, an initiative dedicated to dismantling those very obstacles. Through mentorship, access to vital resources, and strong advocacy, we empower students and professionals to overcome systemic barriers and achieve their full potential. Join us as we build pathways to success that are inclusive and equitable.
“It was so wonderful to hear your testimony! It was super affirming, especially as a first-generation low-income Jamaican student. It’s amazing to see a fellow Black woman succeeding as an entrepreneur, child of God, and overall professional!”
—Gabby G.
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