Bay Area Coaching
Building equitable systems that help communities thrive
I partner with nonprofits, schools, and public agencies to design tools, trainings, and strategies that turn equity commitments into measurable action.
Organizations across sectors are working to create more just, inclusive systems but many struggle to translate values into practice. I support leaders and teams in bridging that gap through practical resources, collaborative processes, and thoughtful facilitation that strengthens impact and sustainability.
What I Do
I help organizations move from intention to implementation through:
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Equity-centered facilitation and training
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Stakeholder engagement design
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Leadership coaching
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Program and initiative planning
Each engagement is tailored to your context, community, and goals.
To Schedule a Consultation:
Selected Clients
California College of the Arts
Duck's Nest Preschool
Wu Yee Children's Services
Beyond 12
RYSE Youth Center
Youth Speaks
Youth Leadership Institute
Piedmont Anti-Racism & Diversity Committee
City of Piedmont
Healthy Black Families
National Association of Black Accountants
Selected Impact
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Facilitated trainings and strategy sessions for cross-sector teams and community stakeholders
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Supported organizations in strengthening community partnerships and engagement practices
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Guided leadership teams in aligning policies and practices with equity goals
About Cornelia Sylvester
Principal Consultant, Bay Area Coaching
Cornelia Sylvester, MA, is a Certified Professional Coach who works with Individuals and teams, facilitating and stewarding teams to develop and employ equity-informed practices and policies. Ultimately, her work is in service of building a world that values and improves the quality of life and livelihood for people furthest from access and opportunity.
Cornelia served as Growth Chair on the Board of Directors of the Izzi Early Education (formerly IHSD), helping to expand early childhood education supports and resources. She has served as a member and co-chair of Creative Reaction Lab (CRXLAB), a trustee for Park Day School, a member of the Children’s Support League of the East Bay and a mentor and volunteer for Alameda County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA). With a lifelong passion for both the outdoors and Black History, she volunteered as a Leader for Outdoor Afro.
Cornelia grew up in the California East Bay and attended local public schools. While pursuing her BA in Ethnic Studies at Mills College, she worked for Upward Bound as residential director, teacher and mentor. It was then that she formed her commitment to supporting children, students and families. She holds a Master’s in Liberal Studies from St. Mary’s College of California and has worked in both the public and private sectors. She is a mother of 3 and resides in Oakland.
In 2026, we will host the following workshops and gatherings. All gatherings will take place in person in Berkeley, CA. To reserve your spot, click: RESERVE
The Room Where it Happens
A new support series designed for historically excluded individuals (women & POC) serving on non-profit boards or commissions. Basics of non-profit organizations, governance, principled leadership and mission-driven work will be covered. This is a space for support and knowledge sharing. Wednesdays $50 per session
"Get it Done" Club
This weekly gathering is for individuals WFH (working from home), working on professional and/or personal projects/hobbies and could benefit from a communal space with some strategic support, laughs or just company. Mondays, 10am-1pm $25 per session
Past Events
Open House
Friends and family came together to celebrate our new location.
For the Culture
Curated visit to the DeYoung Museum to tour Kehinde Wiley's Archeology of Silence exhibit
Tour arranged by Cornelia Sylvester
Introduction facilitated by Abram Jackson, Director of Interpretation
Panel Discussion: The Future Sustainability of Independent Schools
Local DEI Practitioners, Britt Anderson, Jules Greene, Jeremiah J. Jackson and & Tamisha Williams discuss the opportunities, challenges and sustainability of the independent school model.
Moderated by Cornelia Sylvester
Harnessing Privilege for Equity and Justice
In this workshop, participants learned to employ strategies to become active allies, to be able to interrupt bias and discrimination in their everyday life experiences.
Facilitated by Laura Goldberger, MFT and Cornelia Sylvester, MA, CPC
Contact Us
3020 Ashby Ave
Berkeley, CA 94705
