Barbara Sykes served on the Akron City Council where she was a strong advocate for the rights of citizens who are often overlooked. She sponsored legislation that established preferences for minority owned businesses. She served as director of Police Community Dialogue, an agency that helped to foster positive relations between police and the Akron community.

Barbara Sykes earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work and a Master’s Degree in public administration from the University of Akron. Sykes has always been interested in politics. In 1983, she became the first women of color to be elected to Akron City Council and served Ward 3 from 1983-1987. She was councilwoman-at-large from 1987-1989.

Barbara Sykes served as Deputy Auditor of Administration for Summit County. In 1994, she was the Democratic nominee for state treasurer; and in 2000, was elected to the Ohio House of Representatives from the 44th District.

She became President and CEO of Ohio United Way in 2007.