Meet Venita Fields and Roberta Sydney

BY: Kay Marie
Success is fueled by self-mastery, which is then driven by the inner ‘conqueror.’ It takes grit to put yourself out there every day, to show up, and to be active. Being women we face the additional scrutiny of what society wants us to be, how we should act, and what we should look like. Society wants women to conform and bow down to its loud, hidden rules, but no more. It is important to showcase women’s representation in all workforces and at every level. We run more than households. We not only sit in private and public meetings, but we also have voices…voices that are highly respected and sought after.


A voice that echoes in board meetings and executive spaces belongs to Venita Fields. Venita Fields is a Partner of Pelham S2K Managers, LLC and a member of the Pelham S2K Investment Committee. Venita Fields is an Independent Corporate Board Director and Financial Services professional with over forty (40) years of experience as a corporate lender and as a private equity investor. Ms. Fields is currently a General Partner with Pelham S2K Managers LLC providing private debt capital to middle-market businesses throughout the United States. During her career, she has invested over $2.0 Billion in middle-market companies. She was recognized for five consecutive years (2017-2021) by Mergers & Acquisitions Magazine as one of “The Most Influential Women in Mid-Market M&A”. Ms. Fields serves as an Independent Director on the boards of four (4) privately held companies and one (1) public company.
Currently, she serves as an Independent Director for the public company, Superior Group of Companies (NASDAQ:SGC). She serves as an Independent Director for these private businesses: Derry Enterprises, Inc., Lifespace Communitities, Inc., and David’s Bridal, Inc. Ms. Fields believes in giving back to the community. Over the years she has served on the boards of the Greater Chicago Food Depository, the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital Board, and the Ravinia Festival Trustee Board. Currently, she serves on the board of the Moran Center for Youth Advocacy (Evanston, IL). Venita is inspired by John Wesley’s quote, “Do all the good you can. By all the means you can. In all the ways you can. In all the places you can. At all the times you can. To all the people you can. As long as ever you can.” Venita earned a B.A. from Northwestern University and a Masters of Management degree from the J.L. Kellogg Graduate School of Management. Women on boards possess leadership skills, corporate governance expertise, confidence, and are well-versed.


Roberta Sydney embodies the very meaning of being well-versed. She is an independent Board Member and Former CEO. A powerhouse of an executive who is well respected and known for her experience in diverse real estate development and financial services. Sydney currently serves on the board of Tiedemann Advisors, ARIS., and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center of Harvard Medical School. Along with serving on several boards, she also advises several real estate technology companies, wealth management, and manufacturing companies. Roberta has provided knowledge and insights to a plethora of entrepreneurs through Start-up Partners, a local coaching initiative she co-founded through Harvard Business School Alumni. She brings industry experience, connections, and business-building experience with her, and spreads that knowledge across the world.
Roberta made an appearance on Beyond the Balance Sheet where she discussed her corporate roles and being a woman in business. The interviewer asked her if she could provide advice to women wanting to make their mark in the business world. Roberta replied, “Claim yourself and understand yourself. Eliminate the word ‘just’ from your vocabulary since it diminishes your statements. Do not apologize when it is unnecessary, and understand how important ‘culture and fit’ are in terms of your own personal growth.”
Every person in business, entrepreneurship, and Corporate America has failed at one point or another in their career. It’s the learning and actions taken to pick up and move forward that fuel growth and build tenacity. Both Venita Fields and Roberta Sydney have worked extremely hard and have earned their seats on boards. Both have powerful and unforgettable presences. We can learn a thing or two from each of these powerhouses.
Kay Marie is a Mother, Creative writer, and Poet. She owns Konqher LLC where she hopes to inspire people to stay true to themselves and not conform to society’s standards. She also owns Dark Matter Cosmetics LLC, a brand that strives for inclusivity.

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