Sydney is a small business owner, social worker and attorney. A proud “Triple Tar Heel,” Sydney earned her undergraduate degree, Juris Doctorate, and Master of Social Work from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She is a founding partner at Batch, Poore & Williams, P.C., where she practices family and child welfare law alongside her husband, J. Patrick Williams. 

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Today, Sydney serves as the Leader of the North Carolina Senate Democratic Caucus—the first woman and the first Black woman to hold this historic position. She brings her personal and professional experience to every policy decision, always guided by the goal of improving the well-being of North Carolina families. 

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Throughout her time in office, Sydney has sponsored hundreds of pieces of legislation to expand access to affordable health care, ensure clean drinking water and safe air, support paid family leave, improve mental health services, and guarantee every child has access to a high-quality public education. She has consistently fought for legislation that supports small businesses, protects working families, and gives every North Carolinian the tools to thrive. 

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In her spare time, Sydney enjoys reading, traveling, quilting, watching football, and spending time with her husband and two sons.