ABOUT
US
The Sunflower Nation was founded by Dr. Edith C. Banks. The firm's name was birthed after Edith endured a battle with cancer, and would use sunflowers as reminders to remain positive and look for opportunities in all situations. Since her remission, Edith has been sharing her story to help inspire others to focus on positively impacting the world. Edith invites everyone she encounters to commit to improving the community, and becoming part of the nation of people dedicated to inspire effective world changes.
The Sunflower Nation has grown into an influential leadership consulting firm. We emphasize transparency in everything we do, setting bold goals and pursuing a clear strategy to develop effective leaders in society. Driven by influencing and inspiring change, the Sunflower Nation constantly expands our understanding of contemporary issues and leadership development.
Edith provides leadership coaching, keynote addresses, workshops, and professional development trainings. She is committed to continuing her work of equity in the workforce by raising awareness through her weekly podcast - The Sunflower Nation: Women In Leadership.
Dr. Banks is a dynamic educator, speaker, and coach. Because she believes in leading by example, her down to earth and honest approach helps her connect to audiences of all ages.
With 19 years of experience as a Student Affairs professional, Edith has conducted hundreds of training and workshops. She has impacted the lives of thousands of individuals with her presentations and one-on-one coaching sessions.
Edith was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. She graduated summa cum laude from The College of New Rochelle, earning her Bachelor's Degree in Communication Arts with a minor in Business. In 2007, while working full time, she earned her Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in Humanistic Multi-Cultural Education from SUNY New Paltz. Edith later completed her Doctorate in Executive Leadership from St. John Fisher University.
Since completing her dissertation on the Evolution of the Strong Black Woman in Academic Leadership: Balancing Career, Family, and Self, Edith shifted her career and started her consulting firm, The Sunflower Nation, LLC.
TESTIMONIALS
Samantha Plotino
"Your message was inspiring. We hope you recognize your influence on others and our appreciation for sharing your wisdom with the women (of all ages!) in our community. It is through leaders like you that we are able to accomplish our mission to empower and enrich the lives of women."
Tiffani Blake
"For Edith, an SAS alumna, to return to CNR to share her experiences in overcoming personal challenges exemplifies what our motto is all about. With a spirit of encouragement, Edith expressed to students that if they persist and remain committed to who they are and their value system, they can achieve. This is sharing wisdom for life."
Allison Galvin
"I loved your session! The content sat so close to my heart. Especially, as a women trying to start a family. I am constantly wondering how I am going to balance both and be successful!"