Sayydah Garrett

About

Sayydah Garrett was born in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Since childhood she has seen her parents (Ukrainian mother and African-American father) set the good example of helping less fortunate people in their community. This instilled the lifelong passion Sayydah has for helping others, whether it’s watching over elderly neighbors in her town, contributing to her favorite charities or doing community service. Her personal mission statement is, “Tell me what you want and I’ll help you get it.” While on safari in Kenya in August, 2012 Sayydah visited Namayiana Village in Samburu County and learned about harmful centuries-old practices from a Samburu warrior (PCF’s Co-founder) who is fighting for girls’ rights to education. Sayydah promised to help and Pastoralist Child Foundation was founded on the very day of her visit to the village. Sayydah is fluent in English, French and Russian, and speaks conversational Ukrainian and Spanish. She enjoys learning languages and meeting people from all over the world, especially when they share food with her! She has traveled to 25+ countries. Sayydah is a certified ESL (English as a Second Language) instructor and Adult Basic Education (ABE) instructor. She also teaches French at a local adult night school. She holds a Bachelor of Arts, Honours in Russian Language & Literature from Carleton University in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Sayydah’s pastimes include spending time with family and friends, doing aqua fitness, and baking. She also enjoys doing community service as the Immediate Past President of the Kiwanis Club of Glen Ridge and on the music committee at the Women’s Club of Glen Ridge. She lives in New Jersey with her husband, GRAMMY Award winning and NEA Jazz Masters 2023 Honoree saxophonist and composer, Kenny Garrett.