Today we’d like to introduce you to Sydney Miller
Hi Sydney, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
First and foremost, I come from a lot of love. I say this humbly and with so much gratitude to preface my “journey”.
I grew up in Akron and then Uniontown, Ohio. My parents made many sacrifices but also taught me, my sister, and my brother work ethic, what integrity is, and how to move in the world with love.
I attended Kent State University and received my Bachelor’s in Marketing. To be transparent, I had no idea what I desired to do with that. I interned and worked full time during school. And once I graduated, I landed a job at an advertising agency, Geometry Global, as a Media Planner and Buyer working with a diverse mix of clients. Then I went corporate… working nearly three years at The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company as an Acquisition Marketing Lead and Digital Media Analyst. In these roles, I gained extensive knowledge and hands-on experience in both organic and paid marketing strategies, as well as in developing and executing effective branding campaigns. While at Goodyear, I was involved in employee resource groups such as the Goodyear Pride Network and the Goodyear Black Network which both support and encourage inclusion and diversity.
While I appreciated my work experience, I did not feel full in my day-to-day work. I moved to Cleveland and began volunteering at various nonprofits. To our core, I think we are all seeking connection, and for me, I felt I wanted to do meaningful work in the community that I was living in. That is when I made the transition to working in the arts and culture, nonprofit sector at The Music Settlement.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I always knew I had a passion for collaborating with creatives and individuals whose artistry is impacting our community. But I grappled with my identity, my “purpose”, and how I could meaningfully contribute to this realm so dynamic and diverse. How could I genuinely support artists in their field?
I think the shift came when I realized the power of listening. By sitting back and attentively absorbing the stories, struggles, and aspirations of the creative minds around me. With age and perspective, you begin to understand the nuances of the world a bit more. And how it is not about imposing your own perspective. Just learning to be empathetic, open, and honest.
Growth and clarity emerged when I found that space to reflect and genuinely connect. I realized the journey toward finding my place is as much about self-discovery as it is about understanding the people and environments that I wished to impact as well.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I began working at The Music Settlement in 2023 as the Director of Marketing. It was an ideal opportunity; my love for music, combined with a strong desire to make a meaningful impact within Cleveland, perfectly matched their need for a communicator who shared their dedication to community engagement.
The Music Settlement (TMS) is an 113 year-old nonprofit here in Cleveland. offering music instruction for all ages and skill levels, arts-infused early childhood preschool and kindergarten programs, and music therapy with state-licensed and clinical music therapists. We also own and operate BOP STOP, a jazz performance venue in Ohio City. We provide life-enhancing music and arts experiences to people of all ages and abilities. Our two campuses are in University Circle and Ohio City, and we partner with schools and agencies across NEO.
I have the profound privilege to meet inspiring musicians, educators, and life-long learners everyday. Music truly connects us, and I am continuously moved by hearing the many intergenerational stories of how music has saved people, and specifically, how TMS has impacted thousands of lives in Cleveland. I am proud to work for an institution who believes music should be accessible to all.
How do you define success?
Success to me is:
– expressing freely
– showing resistance through art, joy, and love
– creating the ability (taking agency) to take care of your self, your home, and your community
Contact Info:
- Website: https://TheMusicSettlement.org
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sydney-miller-b14885120
