Client Success Stories & Testimonials

Real stories from the individuals and organizations I’ve had the privilege to support.

Over the years, I’ve had the honor of working with mission-driven organizations, passionate community leaders, and ambitious women from diverse backgrounds. Each story reflects the heart of my work: creating safe, bold spaces where people feel seen, valued, and empowered to rise.

Most people first connect with me through my keynotes and workshops, then deepen their journey in my SheRISE group coaching program or through 1:1 coaching. I also mentor emerging leaders to help them step fully into their power. Whether through coaching, public speaking, or mentorship, the transformation is always led by my clients — I’m simply here to guide the way.

Click below to explore testimonials by category

Public Speaking

Amelia K., University of Guelph

“Amy’s keynote was nothing short of transformative. Drawing from her signature RISE framework, she masterfully guided our audience through themes of resilience, self-discovery, and empowerment. Her message was both deeply personal and universally resonant, blending powerful storytelling with actionable insights that left attendees feeling seen, inspired, and motivated to embrace their authenticity and take bold steps toward collective and personal liberation.

What set Amy apart was not only her eloquence and presence on stage but also her commitment to connecting meaningfully with the community. Her authenticity and openness created a space of reflection and empowerment, sparking conversations that have continued well beyond the event.

If you are seeking a speaker who brings heart, depth, and transformative energy to every room she enters, I wholeheartedly recommend Amy Sylla!”

Lushwana A-S., Black Talent, Initiative (BTI)

“Amy’s presentation was nothing short of inspiring. Her passion, knowledge, and relatability combined to create a memorable experience that left a lasting impact on BTI and our audience. We walked away feeling empowered to prioritize our mental health and integrate meaningful change practices into our lives. Amy is a true advocate for mastering change, and her presentation is a must-attend for anyone seeking guidance on how to overcome obstacles to find self-fulfillment.”

Sarah E., Philp Morris International

“Amy joined us as a guest speaker for a Black History Month engagement. We couldn’t have been more thrilled with the outcome! We were hoping to bring someone in who would be thought-provoking and engaging – Amy exceeded all of our (very high!) expectations. She impressed us with a discussion about her passion for diversity and inclusion, covering topics that were sensitive with maturity and insightfulness while leaving our group with a feeling of positivity and optimism.".”

Group Coaching

Watch How SheRISE Transformed Joëlle

In this video testimonial, Joëlle, participant of the Cohort 1, reveals the breakthroughs she experienced during SheRISE Group Coaching.

Read testimonials from other participants below.

  • “Before the SheRISE Group Coaching Program, I was carrying imposter syndrome big time. I often questioned whether my story mattered and if I had anything truly valuable to share. I felt stuck in old narratives that kept me playing small. But during the program, something shifted. The space Amy created—so supportive, so intentional—helped me realize that my story is powerful, not despite the hard parts, but because of them. Amy made me see myself with more compassion. Instead of hiding from my past, I began to recognize it as a source of strength and wisdom. Since attending, I’ve noticed a real shift. I started accepting all facets of me and my "inside team". I started going outside my comfort zone. Because what is the worst thing that can happen?! And when doubt creeps in, I now have tools to shift my mindset. I would absolutely recommend Amy’s coaching program to others. If you’re on the fence about joining the next SheRISE cohort, I’d say: don’t hesitate! The kind of support, insight, and community Amy’s created is something every woman deserves to experience. Thank you for helping me rise!”

    Laurie Payton

  • "Amy does a wonderful job of providing a space to uncover your unique potential and provide opportunities for you to look inward and realize what may be holding you back towards reaching your goals. She has a warm and generous presence that allows for participants to feel safer to share their experiences and gives them a chance to feel connected to those going through similar experiences. "

    Julia | SheRISE Group Coaching Program - Cohort 1

  • “The coaching was a great investment in myself. It gave me a lot of clarity, and it reminded me that I can ask for help, I don't have to do it all by myself. I learned that my job doesn't define me, but my passions are a better reflection of who I am. Knowing that helped me define my values. Thanks to the exercises, I made my own mantra that I can repeat every day. If anyone would like to join the program, I would say "go for it." You are getting support and tools, and it can definitely guide you in many areas of your life!”

    Laurene | SheRISE Coaching Program - Cohort 1

Individual Coaching

  • "This was my first time working with a career coach, and honestly, I was pretty nervous. I felt lost and burned out at work, not knowing what my next move should be. From our very first session, Amy was open, knowledgeable, and super encouraging. I could really feel her genuine interest in my success. Instead of thinking I needed to "fix" something about myself, I realized I just needed to learn more about who I am and stay true to that. Her insights led me see solutions I never would have thought of on my own. I feel more confident about myself and my future than I have in a long time. If you’re feeling stuck or unsatisfied with your life or career, or just want some clarity and guidance with a little tough love, I can’t recommend Amy enough. She’s amazing—thank you!"

    Anonymous, Senior Designer

  • "My career coaching experience with Amy was truly transformative. Her warm, supportive approach made me feel understood and empowered. She helped me gain clarity and develop actionable steps that made me more proactive in pursuing my career goals. I highly recommend her to anyone looking for personalized, thoughtful guidance in their professional journey."

    Mercedes

  • "Amy's session allowed me to discover new ways of problem-solving and thinking. I feel more confident in my role than I ever have before. I learned a lot about myself during our short time together and I know I'll carry my new knowledge with me forever. I'm extremely grateful for her guidance."

    Anonymous, Reporter

  • "Amy Sylla is caring, compassionate, and a great listener, which is a rare and valuable quality. Her ability to observe and understand life has made her an excellent coach, helping her give thoughtful guidance to me."

    Pooja

  • "I faced several challenging situations, both at work and in my personal life, and Amy's coaching helped me navigate them successfully. Thanks to her guidance, I now feel more confident in my ability to handle difficult conversations and have the skills and tools needed for future challenges. I am grateful for this opportunity!"

    Anonymous, Senior Analyst

  • "My time with Amy Sylla was great. I'm neurodivergent and she was very gentle and collaborative in adjusting things to suit my brain better. She helped me clarify my next steps career-wise and helped me learn some tools for personal reflection. I would definitely recommend her services to others."

    Alex

Mentorship

Calyssa Burke, Project Advisor

“My mentorship sessions with Amy have been so helpful and transformative. Amy's attention to detail, insights, and lived experiences have been instrumental in my growth, both personally and professionally.

As a young Black woman just starting out in her career, Amy has provided so much guidance that has been invaluable to my journey, especially navigating the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion space.

Throughout every meeting, Amy has taken the time to understand my pain points, and has given me tailored and practical tools to strengthen my confidence, communication, dealing with conflict and especially battling imposter syndrome. With this, I have not only developed new skills, but discovered tools that resonate with me deeply.

I am so grateful for Amy's guidance. Since my time with Amy, I have received a promotion at work, and been able to step out of my comfort zone by having tough, but necessary, conversations in the workplace.

Thank you Amy for being such an important part of my journey!”

Vedanshi Vala, Executive Director

“Mentorship is one of the most valuable assets to personal and professional growth, and Amy has been a gem of a mentor to me these past few months. When I initially reached out to her to request mentorship, I found myself struggling to rationalize the kind of content and image I was producing through my public social media platforms, as someone who is involved in many different areas of work. Amy helped me find greater confidence in showing up for my audience as my authentic self, and challenged me to integrate all that I do into a singular and streamlined narrative of purpose. I find myself at greater ease and peace with what I bring to the table, and I have learned that being a multifaceted professional is a source of strength. Amy's support with my personal branding goes well beyond my social media pages: it translates into how I present myself in front of others, and how I ensure I am seen as a whole person with a unique life story to tell, as opposed to a collection of labels. I am grateful for the role Amy has played in my journey, and recommend her without hesitation to anyone seeking mentorship.”