Mike Sylvester joins Grassroots Leadership Academy after spending time in both the public and private sectors across the United States and Canada. Prior to joining, he spent time developing communication skills at a public affairs/public relations firm based in the Midwest that focused on building coalitions and effective messaging for pro-growth policies in the fields of energy, healthcare, education and more. Along with work in the political realm, Mike has spent ten years building his leadership and advocacy skills participating in and coaching competitve speech, debate, and mock trial. Sylvester received a B.A. in Political Science and International Relations from the University of Iowa. Born in the Greater Toronto Area, he moved to Des Moines, Iowa at the age of fourteen. On October 25, 2018, he took the oath to become an American citizen, a moment he is very proud of.