Silvia Canales is an Afro-Latina of Dominican and Puerto Rican heritage. Passionate about addressing issues of sexism, misogyny, race and education; she works towards the empowerment of youth by designing and facilitating educational/artistic workshops. Silvia holds the position of Director of College, Career & Wellness at The Brotherhood Sister Sol. She has also been a Sister Sol Chapter Leader, as well as the facilitator of the award-winning poetry and spoken word collective, Lyrical Circle, since its inception in 2001. Silvia co-facilitated International Study Programs to Brazil in both 2006 and 2012 and to Cuba in 2016.

As a committed cultural/youth worker to her community, Silvia has created various programs helping Manhattan Valley and Harlem youth challenge and address issues regarding race, culture and sexism through performance art. Silvia is responsible for the implementation of the first teen component at the Manhattan Valley Development Corporation to serve youth in academics, social enrichment and community involvement.

Silvia has received certification from Goddard Riverside’s Options Center for Educational and Career Choice in College Access Counseling, from the PASE and Baruch College Emerging Leaders Program and was accepted to The United Way Senior Fellows Program. She is an AmeriCorps National Service Alumnus, and graduated Cum Laude from Hunter College of the City University of New York with a B.A in Sociology and Africana/Latino studies.

Silvia received her Masters in Education with a focus on Bilingual School-Counseling and Guidance from New York University, Steinhardt School of Education, Culture & Human Development.