Empowering College Women to Succeed
I’m Sydney Montgomery
I’m a Forbes 30 Under 30 Founder 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.
Resources Designed to Propel Your Success
Are you a first-generation college student wondering how to navigate the complexities of college and your emerging career? Are you balancing working while going to school?
Are you seeking guidance that resonates with your unique experiences and aspirations?
I understand these challenges intimately, and that’s why I've developed a collection of resources crafted just for you.
Explore my courses and read my blog posts where I share personal insights and expert advice on key topics like mentorship, self-advocacy, leadership, financial literacy, and professional growth. These resources are not just guides—they are stepping stones to building a career that's as ambitious as you are. Each piece is designed to empower you, illuminate your path, and support your journey toward success.
I remember what it was like being the first person from my high school to graduate from Princeton and then later being the first lawyer in my family as a graduate of Harvard Law School. I worked two jobs in high school, three jobs in college, and three jobs in law school. There were so many things I had to figure out on my own and mistakes I made because I didn’t have proper guidance. Finding mentors and supporters was crucial to my success and now I want to give you the guidance that I wish I had in an accessible and affordable way as you start to build your career.
TEDx: First-Generation Graduates Drive Business Success
The 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 Guide: Finding Your Mentors
Mentorship was pivotal to my journey as a two-time 6-figure entrepreneur, Forbes 30 Under 30 awardee, and TEDx speaker. In this free guide, I walk you through the basics of mentorship to help you strengthen your personal and professional journey.
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.
Through Post-Grad Success Coaching, I help first-generation women of color navigate the complex landscape of the early years of post-graduation. Whether you're tackling financial planning, seeking effective networking strategies, striving for professional growth, or trying to balance your spiritual and personal life, I will be there for you every step of the way.
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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