04 Mar Synergy Celebrates Black History Month Featuring Syretta Phelps
Honoring Legacy, Purpose, and Progress: A Black History Month Reflection with Syretta Phelps
For Syretta Phelps, Director of Accounting in Atlanta, Georgia, Black History Month is far more than a moment on the calendar. It is a meaningful intersection of remembrance and responsibility.
With nine years at Synergy Adjusting Corporation, Syretta brings thoughtfulness, integrity, and leadership to her role, grounded in a deep understanding of legacy and purpose.
We asked Syretta to share her perspective on the meaning of Black History Month, the words that continue to inspire her, and the role models who have shaped her. Her reflections offer a thoughtful reminder of the power of legacy, perseverance, and purpose.
What does Black History Month mean to you?
“Black History Month, to me, is both remembrance and responsibility. It is a time to honor the brilliance, resilience, and contributions of Black people whose labor, intellect, and courage helped shape a world that was not always designed for our success,” she says.
“As a Black woman working in corporate America, this intentional time set aside early in the year both fuels and affirms my commitment to excellence, integrity, and representation in spaces where the presence of those who look like me has not always been the norm,” Syretta shares.
Ultimately, Black History Month is about legacy, progress, and purpose, paying homage to the past while nurturing hope and creating opportunities for the future.
“It is also a reminder that history is not separate from the present; the inequities we continue to navigate today are deeply connected to the stories of our ancestors, stories we uplift not just this month, but every day.”
“Showing up prepared, capable, and confident is one way I honor their sacrifices and extend their legacy,” she continues. Syretta views her own success not as an individual achievement, but as part of a broader story, made possible by those who came before her and impactful for those who will follow.
“It reminds me that individual achievement is never solely personal; it is connected to those who opened doors before us and to those who will walk through them after us.”
What is one of your favorite inspirational quotes?
When asked about a quote that inspires her, Syretta points to words from Ursula Burns, the first Black woman CEO of a Fortune 500 company: “I never dreamed about success. I worked for it.”
“That quote resonates with me because it reflects the discipline, persistence, and commitment required to grow in corporate spaces,” she explains.
Especially on challenging days, it reminds me that success is not accidental; it is built through preparation, consistency, and resilience.
Who are your role models?
Syretta’s role models, she says, have always been her grandparents. “No fancy accolades, degrees, or fortunes, however, they always displayed an immense amount of class, determination, perseverance, and faith,” she reflects.
Syretta credits her grandparents as the foundation of her values. “Life can be filled with unforeseen obstacles, but they never defined who they were or who they would become.”
This is the foundation of how I live my life and remain steadfast with a positive outlook for the future,” Syretta adds.
Syretta’s reflections remind us that Black History Month is not only about looking back, but also about how we show up every day. Her words speak to the importance of honoring those who came before us, staying grounded in purpose, and creating space for future generations to thrive. Through her journey and leadership, Syretta continues to carry that legacy forward with intention, pride, and heart.