Edit Current Bio
UCB is written collaboratively by you and our community of volunteers. Please edit and add contents by clicking on the add and edit links to the right of the content

Sylvia Elaine Gethers Wright

She was born in Johnstown, PA.
  • Basic Info
  • Attachments
  • Relations
  • Organizations
  • Accomplishments
  • Schools
  • Employers
Sylvia Elaine Gethers Wright was one of two children born to Lois and William Gethers in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. In 1956, her family moved to Buffalo, New York, where she has since resided.

After graduating from East High School, she was employed by Blue Shield of Western New York as a Medicare Service Representative before getting married and starting a family. Following the birth of her son, she decided to return to school and enrolled in Erie Community College. She held several jobs in the community, including office manager of the Black Development Foundation, Inc., before being hired by Moog, Inc. as a numerical control computer operator in the methods engineering department. Her career with Moog now spans twenty-four years and she is the first African American in the company to achieve the position of Senior Program Manager. In this capacity, Sylvia manages multi-million dollar programs and travels extensively both domestically and abroad.

While employed at Moog, Sylvia attended night school and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Adult Training and Development from Medaille College. She attended the Executive Development Program of the Harvard Business School Club of Buffalo and earned a Master of Science Degree in Global Business from Daemen College. She has served on several committees within the company including the Minority Advisory Committee.

Sylvia is the thirteenth president of the Mary B. Talbert Civic and Cultural Club where she has been an active member since 1992. As a federated woman, Sylvia has the opportunity to serve in the community and reach out to her neighbors, particularly women and children, who need a helping hand. Sylvia is a life member of the National Association of Colored Women's Clubs, Inc. She believes that as a people, we can accomplish everything with love, guidance, and nurturing. She notes, "God has truly been good to me and I pray for continued strength and courage that will allow me to spread his blessings as far as I can reach." This philosophy has garnered her many distinctions and awards.

Sylvia was voted Neighbor of the Year for submitting the first Block Grant proposal to the City of Buffalo for residential lampposts that have since become a beacon of light in the community. She initiated and chaired the Empire State Federation Women of Distinction note card project that commemorates outstanding federated women from New York State, and she currently serves as Vice President of the Empire State Buffalo Region.

In 1998, Sylvia was recognized as Club Woman of the Year by Zonta International Buffalo Club #1. As a member of Zonta, she also was co-organizer of the Lafayette High School Z Club that provides a support network of professional and executive businesswomen helping young women develop leadership skills and reach their full potential.

When possible, Sylvia also enjoys working with young elementary and intermediate school children as a technical advisor for Buffalo-area Engineering Awareness for Minorities (BEAM).

As a member of St. John Baptist Church, Sylvia was co-organizer of St. John Boy Scout Troop #84 and currently serves on the #2 Usher Board.
Sylvia is the mother of a son, Hollice Wood, Jr., daughter-in-law, Yolanda, and the grandmother of Amaya Emon.