Social entrepreneur, investor, and advocate for civic engagement Sylvie Légère is laser-focused on developing innovative solutions that unite people for the common good and advance the next generation of female change-makers.
With a 25-year career spanning multiple sectors, including technology, process, and change management at Fortune 500 companies such as Accenture, JP Morgan Chase, and TD Ameritrade, Sylvie's passion for civic engagement and inclusion was motivated by her own experiences stepping out of her comfort zone to seize opportunities in male-dominated industries. She has channeled this passion into co-founding The Policy Circle and partnering with more than 25 impact-driven companies and organizations that resolve societal issues. As the author of Trust Your Voice, A Roadmap to Focus and Influence, Sylvie aspires to motivate emerging change-makers to elevate their influence and make a positive impact in the lives of others.
While well-versed in STEM, Sylvie realized she had little knowledge about policymaking. This self-evaluation inspired her to have grassroots conversations with like-minded women about community building and civic engagement. Sylvie’s curiosity, firm commitment to civic engagement and desire to equip women from all backgrounds with the resources, tools, and information they need to stay active and engaged in public policy dialogue led to her co-founding The Policy Circle.
A nonprofit, non-partisan organization that now includes more than 300 circles in 44 states, The Policy Circle educates women about public policy issues through roundtable discussions, fact-based research and leadership development. Women are enabled to confidently use their voices to initiate change in their communities.
An Advocate for Women in Leadership and Policy Education
A Commitment to Economic and Leadership Development
Deeply committed to economic and leadership development, Sylvie serves on the investment council of the First Women's Bank and is a member of the Economic Club of Chicago, the Chicago Club, and the American Enterprise Institute National Council. She is a board member of Rise Kit, a platform that helps job seekers from underserved communities to find and stay on a fulfilling career pathway to financial security. Additionally, Sylvie has collaborated with small and large organizations to improve the economic well-being and quality of life of communities across the globe.
Girls Inc. of Chicago has recognized Sylvie as a role model for the next generation of young female leaders.
An Unapologetic Connector and Innovator moving people forward
Sylvie co-founded Foov Fitness, an app that uses immersive technology to help people with intellectual disabilities stay physically active. As a co-owner of the Higher Gear Bike Shops in Chicago’s North Shore, she played a critical role in advancing women’s cycling in Illinois. She organized a 100-mile bike ride from Chicago to Milwaukee that created a community of bike riders from all backgrounds to live healthier lives.
Among her many civic commitments, Sylvie serves on the boards of The Woodlands Academy, the Bradley Impact Fund, the Chicago Cubs Charities, and Opportunity Education, a nonprofit that has invested more than $70 million to improve educational outcomes for children around the globe. Sylvie also sits on the investor council of Poligage, the first online marketplace that provides information about public policy insights. As a board member of SoldierStrong, Sylvie is dedicated to supporting the rehabilitation of U.S. veterans through advanced technologies.
Ignite Your Potential and
Trust Your Voice.
Sylvie’s collaborative and empowering approach invites people from diverse backgrounds to take immediate action in their personal lives and their communities.