"My love of learning, compassion for humanity, and the high esteem in which I hold education began at Queens College. QC gave me a solid academic education with 'real life strategies' on how to use my intellectual IQ as well as my emotional IQ to become a corporate executive in an international construction management firm headquartered in New York City. Queens College unleashed my love for learning and created an environment where I saw my unlimited potential; thank you."

As head of the diversity and community affairs department for an international construction management firm for many years, Sykes hopscotched across the United States. She traveled quite a bit for her previous employer, who bid on construction projects all over the country. During this time Sykes participated in business presentations and empowerment seminars, and conducted corporate training workshops. After each of her engagements, people would run up to her and say, "Please teach me to speak like you."

After a layoff and months of soul-searching, Sykes realized that with a few simple techniques, she could teach people to speak like she does. In April 2005 she formed DGS Consulting LLC, which specializes in business communication training, with a concentration in public speaking, business presentations, and interview skills. In addition to standard classroom instruction, the company offers mini audio training files in five languages; clients can download files directly from DGS's Website to an iPod, MP3, or CD player. DGS is certified by New York City and State as a woman-owned business and has offices in New York and Atlanta. The company's philosophy is that whether you're pursuing prestigious employment, wooing clients, or negotiating pricing, it's the power of words that sets you apart.