Sylvia K. Dorisme
Everything I have experienced prepared me to be the woman that I'am today!
Sylvia Dorisme, founder of Zeal Technical Institute, previously known as SWVT, migrated from the Caribbean without her parents at the tender age of 14. With dreams of breaking barriers in her family, Sylvia was determined to be the first college graduate in her immediate family. After graduating with her undergrad degree in Business Administration and a minor in legal studies, she was accepted at Nova University weekend MBA and Law program. However, she later discovered a passion for trade education and insisted on opening a technical school at 25 years old.
Despite being unemployed and lacked the necessary capital to open the school, Ms. Dorisme pursued with her dream by seeking a part time night job to fund the school, while operating the school in the day. Her passion and her drive to help others succeed is infectious and has been recognized throughout Southwest Florida . Zeal celebrated 12 years on September 2021, offers 10 entry level healthcare programs and has employed over a dozen staff and faculty.
Zeal is a privately-owned health allied career school that offers entry level healthcare trainings. The school is recognized and licensed by the Florida Department of Education, commission for independent education. Zeal offers an array of healthcare career diplomas such as Medical Assistant, Mental Health Technician, Patient Care Technician, Phlebotomy Technician and more. As of today, nearly 5,000 students have graduated and over 80% have found employment.
Ms. Dorisme is very passionate about education and is empowered by the difference it makes on individual lives. As the school continues to grow, Dorisme wants to be able to give back to her community. She has volunteered and sat on several boards in Lee and Collier Counties. One of Zeal’s core value is people first and the rest will fall into place. Considering the future, one thing is true – The staff and instructors all share a common bond at Zeal and are driven by a common focus: an intense commitment to student success.
Zeal’s main office is located in North Ft. Myers, FL. The future of Zeal is looking bright and it all started with a simple idea of helping others to get to work. Ms. Dorisme is a proud mother and avid advocate for the youth.
Prior to Zeal, Ms. Dorisme owned and operated a cleaning service and medical billing company. She has also served as Director of Student services at a technical school and worked as a Paralegal for a medium size law firm in Florida.
Awards received/Featured in:
Face Awards, Winner of Education, 2016
Featured cover page in D'latinos and Gulshore Business magazines, 2016
Bonita Kiwanis- Young Professional, Founding Member, 2017
Score Chapter (SBA), client of the year, 2016
40/40 recipient, winner 2016
The Caribbean and American Network of Lehigh
Recognition award, 2017
Black Girls Rock of Southwest Florida, Winner, 2018
The KNOW women, 2020
Who's Who In America, 2021
Nominations:
SBDC, business of the year, 2016
The Blue Chips Awards, 2017
Volunteer work:
Dress for success events
Kiwanis Young Professionals
Caferrata Elementary school
Junior Achievement of SWFL
Millenium United Foundation
Bonita Elementary school
African Network of Southwest Florida, Academic committee
United Haitian American Chamber of Commerce of SWFL
Florida State Minority Supplier Development Council
Future Makers of SWFL
“WE MAY ENCOUNTER MANY DEFEATS BUT WE MUST NOT BE DEFEATED.”
- Maya Angelou