Sya is very active in many areas of Guelph life, including, as a regular volunteer in schools, senior homes and churches. As a founding member of Guelph GoGo GrandMothers, Sya has a special passion for African stories as part of the Stephen Lewis Foundation Grandmothers to Grandmothers campaign. Sya was recipient of the Ontario Library Association’s Distinguished Service Award in 2005 and Guelph Woman of Distinction for Voluntary Community Service 2007.