Sylvia is a role model at the firm and beyond, particularly in the international arbitration community. Sylvia founded the Equal Representation in Arbitration (ERA) Pledge to improve gender diversity in the world of arbitration, in particular the appointment of female arbitrators on an equal opportunity basis. The Pledge now has more than 3,500 signatories from over 110 countries, including 672 organisations. Sylvia also influences the visibility and appointment of female arbitrators through her membership of various arbitrational institutions. Her role as founder and now Co-Chair of the Global Pledge Steering Committee opens the door to wider involvement of people within the firm in this important gender diversity initiative. More broadly within the firm, Sylvia is a key promoter of the associate-led Every Day Gender Equality (EDGE) commitment, acts as a sponsor for the Global Sponsorship Programme for high-performing women associates, and as a mentor in the Dispute Resolution mentoring scheme. She has trained as a Mental Health First Aid Champion to increase dialogue and break down stigma in this area. Sylvia also plays a role in the firm’s D&I Committee for Dispute Resolution and speaks at internal events and on panels about diversity and inclusion, including hosting an internal global training session regarding the Pledge. Externally, she ensures D&I (including EDGE and the Pledge) is on the agenda at client relationship meetings, has spoken on various panels at industry-wide events and has published on these topics.