Dr. Sylvia Bartley, Senior Global Director, Medtronic Foundation
Executive, Leader, Author, and recognized advocate and champion of social change, dedicated to eliminating economic, health and education disparities. Sylvia’s work is guided by a greater spiritual purpose, one rooted in mindfulness and intentionality.
A Senior Director of the Medtronic Foundation, she oversees employee volunteer engagement for 89,000 employees, as well as Disaster Relief and Patient Empowerment strategies. A role that allows Sylvia to use her genuine leadership style to foster an environment of compassion and humanity.
As a true globe trotter spanning across continents and cultures, Sylviadraws from a unique foundation of scientific research in neurophysiology, medical device sales and marketing. She is a respected strategic executive able to shape and operationalize ideas and sustainable industry leading solutions.
Sylvia is equally passionate in her volunteer involvement devoted to improving the health, education and economic status of underserved communities. She has made an impact as a board member and leader for prominent non-profit organizations including the African American Leadership Forum, the Association of Black Foundation Executives and The Black Women’s Health Imperative. She is an advisory member for US Chamber of Commerce Foundation and a newly appointed Regent for Augsburg University.
Sylvia is recognized as an impactful leader inspiring change and strengthening communities, exemplified through numerous awards including the Top 100 Most Influential and Powerful Black Briton in 2019, the Women in Business Award and Diversity in Business Awards from Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal. A 2014 Bush Fellow and AARP/Pollen’s 50 under 50 award recipient.
Sylvia took her work to a new platform when she published her first book “Turning the Tide: Neuroscience, Spirituality and My Path Toward Emotional Health” which outlines the links between our brains and our souls while inspiring readers to change the world with that knowledge.