Ms. Sanya Hudson-Payne was born and raised in Brooklyn New York where she resides with her 16 year old daughter. Armed with a degree in Psychology, she is a well sought after educator and author who uses her brand as a vessel to encourage, empower, and educate through books, magazines, mentoring, literary consulting, motivational speaking, and soon as a writer for film and television. In 2006 she became a published author with her well-received first novel, “The Seasons of Love” and her latest novel, “A Love I Can Trust” will be released by January 2012.

Working collaboratively with a myriad of organizations, Ms. Hudson-Payne has a keen ability to empower not only youth but also professionals who are seeking to discover their Life’s Purpose. In 2006, recognizing Ms. Hudson-Payne as “One to Watch” she was featured in Essence magazine as a successful businesswoman. Since 2006, she has been an annual speaker at S.U.N.Y College at Old Westbury’s Women in Excellence Conference and is humbled when her words become trending topics on Twitter during her speeches. In 2011, she was asked to be the keynote speaker for the State of the Woman’s Address in New York City, and hosted 1209 Enterprise’s Pre-Affair with Susan L. Taylor. Beginning 2012 by staying true to her purpose, she will facilitate a workshop for Jack and Jill Inc. on the media’s negative portrayal of women and young girls. Using various venues to share her journey as a catalyst for change, she is a frequent guest on numerous radio shows.

Instilled with the belief of giving back to the community, Ms. Hudson-Payne knew early on that no matter what path she would take in life, she would be the “voice of the voiceless.” Developing holistic approaches to produce youth who are “ready for college and ready for careers,” she has successfully planned, implemented, and executed workshops for scholars in order to prepare them for acceptance into highly competitive enrichment programs. A mentor and visible educator for New Visions and First Achievement Charter Schools, to name a few, her resume writing, public speaking, and interview workshops are testaments to her dedication. As a result of her advocacy, her scholars have benefitted greatly by traveling nationally and internationally, attending prestigious art classes at the Museum of Modern Art, and receiving scholarships to a sailing program during the summer where they learn how to navigate yachts. Bridging the gap between scholars and stakeholders and bringing a sense of love, belonging, and acceptance to the hearts of youth her annual Kwanzaa and Giving of Thanks Feasts feeds over 300 youth, parents, and community members. These annual events confirm her belief, “It Takes a Village.” Culminating each academic school year, Ms. Hudson-Payne plans and executes a formal event, the Scholars’ Ball at the illustrious Bronx Museum of the Arts. At this event, scholars, parents, clergy, educators, entrepreneurs, and politicians enjoy an evening of elegance. Following one of her mantras, “Children can’t be what they don’t see,” Ms. Hudson-Payne is committed to exposing youth and adults to excellence by setting forth high standards and expectations and in 2011, was able to secure The Vice President for the Fund of New York as the keynote speaker. Recognizing her work and efforts, in 2010, she received the Award for Excellence from a New York State Senator.

A Blogger and contributing writer for Sisterhood Agenda and City Path online magazines as well as the Associated Content Press, Ms. Hudson-Payne works with aspiring authors who have dreams of being published. In 2011, she executed her first successful Aspiring Writer’s Short-Story Contest which garnered participation from writers as far away as Africa. The first-place winner received the opportunity to have her short-story turned into a short film and the runner-ups had their work published on her website. To date, her contest is highly anticipated and receives frequent queries.

Ms. Hudson-Payne is truly committed to advocating for the underserved and underrepresented. She knows she could not achieve any level of success without giving back to others. Growing up in the inner-city she defied statistics and broke through the proverbial glass ceiling hindering women of color. Her message to others, “No matter what stereotypes people are confronted with, my journey is a personal testament that roses can grow through concrete changing dilapidated shacks into mansions of splendor. Encourage, Empower, and Educate!”