Committee recommends Sydney Evans for Cleveland Commission on Black Women and Girls after residency clarification

Sydney Evans, a 27‑year‑old public‑health researcher and Case Comprehensive Cancer Center project manager, was recommended to the Cleveland Commission on Black Women and Girls after a committee interview and a brief exchange about her application address.

Evans told the mayor’s appointment committee she is “born and raised here in Cleveland” and described work in community health outreach, including a research project in 19 Cleveland barbershops. “I am a Cleveland kid through and through,” Evans said, citing her background in public‑health outreach and a PhD program at Case Western Reserve University as reasons she wants to join the commission.

The committee probed her priorities and approach. Councilman Casey asked what she would focus on first in a one‑year appointment; Evans said she would begin with ward‑level qualitative research and public wellness education aimed at young adults, calling out missed screenings and a need for advocacy training so residents know how to access care. “I would start at 18, when individuals no longer are receiving care from their maternal figure or guardian,” she said.

Council member (speaker 4) and Councilwoman Santana emphasized environmental and social determinants of health, and asked Evans to tie the commission’s work to broader city health efforts. Evans referenced research showing elevated risks for conditions such as polycystic ovarian syndrome and certain cancers in young Black residents and described using thematic, participatory research to shape recommendations.

The committee also questioned Evans about two addresses appearing in her application. Councilman Casey said the discrepancy raised a “red flag” for the committee because paid city boards typically require Cleveland residency. Evans responded that the application allowed listing either a work or home address and that she had used her work address on the form.

After discussion the chair called a roll to recommend Evans to the commission; members responded in the affirmative and were asked to sign the recommendation letter. The committee did not record any dissent on the transcript.

The committee’s chair said the city will revise some commission category and residency rules going forward to reduce months‑long delays for applicants and to clarify eligibility; those procedural changes are expected to be taken up separately.

The recommendation will be forwarded to the next step in the appointment process; committee members were asked to sign the recommendation letters before adjournment.