Sylvia Dunnavant, Founder and Executive Director of the Celebrating Life Foundation, is a writer, photographer and poet who resides in Dallas, Texas. She has a communications degree with an emphasis in journalism from the University of Wisconsin, and has been published in national and state magazines and newspapers, including JET Magazine. The former Miss Black America contestant is a recipient of the Kizzy Image and Achievement Award, which is presented by the Black Women’s Hall of Fame Foundation in recognition of young women who have achieved excellence in their academic and professional undertaking in spite of racial and sexual discrimination. She has received a citation from the State of Wisconsin for her journalistic accomplishments and is listed in the 1982 Outstanding Young Women of America reference book. Sylvia also received the She Knows Where She is Going Award from the Dallas County Volunteer Center.