Sydney Henriques-Payne is a storyteller, strategist and founder coach specializing in supporting early-stage start-ups, solo-entrepreneurs and small business owners. She is the founder of Bridge & Ladder, a boutique consultancy that supports individuals and organizations on brand and organizational development through a focus on strong storytelling, organizational design, strategic planning and capacity-based coaching. She specializes in social entrepreneurship and corporate social responsibility often taking fractional leadership roles (i.e., Chief of Staff, VP roles) during times of organizational change.

With a background in communications and talent, Sydney has experience managing individual and organization-wide strategic refreshes, (re)brands and roll-outs, end-to-end. She focuses on partnering with organizational leaders and creatives to co-design mission, vision and values of a brand and then building the aligned infrastructure needed to support it. As a consultant, Sydney has worked across sectors. She has significant experience within the social impact sector, often working with founders who are working to solve the world's biggest problems, applying an equity lens.

Outside of strategy consulting and systems building, Sydney is a writer and integrated producer. As a writer, Sydney is focused on the nuance of race, culture and intersectional identity. Her visual storytelling projects focus on shining light on unsung heroes, centering communities of color. She has worked as a writer, producer and creative consultant for organizations including, theGrio, UWish Co, Never Whisper Justice and American Greetings. She also freelances in event production for art- and community-centered activations.

Sydney received her Masters from Johns Hopkins University. She holds a Bachelors in English & Communications-Rhetoric with a Certificate in Community & Corporate Relations from the University of Pittsburgh. A DC native, Sydney is currently based in Brooklyn, NY.