Sylvia Chen
Head of Total Rewards
She uses her finance background to uplift others I’m Chinese, but I was born and raised in India — a combination that’s shaped nearly every part of who I am. I spent my early years at an all-girls Catholic missionary boarding school, nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas. Run by nuns, the school brought together students from India and neighboring countries like Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet, and Burma. It was a place of prayer and discipline, yes, but even more, it was a place where lifelong friendships were forged across borders and beliefs. In growing up with girls from so many walks of life, I learned how to find common ground while celebrating our cultural and linguistic differences. Those bonds taught me the power of empathy, inclusion, and connection — lessons that continue to guide me today. That eclectic, multicultural upbringing sparked a deep curiosity in me — about people, and the things that bring us together. It was also where I first became involved in social work. As a teenager, I volunteered at several places, including Mother Teresa’s refuge for the homeless, Nirmal Hriday. Those experiences opened my eyes in ways I’ll never forget. I witnessed the harsh realities so many face, but I also discovered something equally powerful: the fulfillment that comes from showing up for others. That’s when I realized that whatever I chose to do in life, it needed to have purpose — it had to make a human impact. That idea has become my compass — in both my personal life and my career. Even though numbers came easily to me and my training was in finance, I eventually found my calling in Total Rewards. What drew me in was the chance to connect the dots — to use my finance background not just for the bottom line, but to take care of the people behind the work. Growing up between cultures taught me how to adapt — to be flexible, even when it was uncomfortable. That resilience was especially important when I moved to the US. and had to start over completely. Despite my education and experience abroad, I began again as a temporary data entry operator in a payroll department. It wasn’t glamorous, but I gave it everything I had — and I went to night school to earn a US degree. I didn’t see it as a setback; I saw it as a step forward. In many ways, stepping into the role of Head of Total Rewards has brought my journey full circle. What began as a deep curiosity about people and a desire to make a meaningful impact has evolved into a career centered on exactly that — creating equitable, thoughtful programs that support and uplift others. The values that shaped me early on now live at the heart of the work I do every day. Looking back, I believe my diverse background is what has truly shaped me as a leader. It’s given me a wide-angle lens to approach challenges, and a respect for different points of view. I try to create environments where people feel seen, heard, and valued — because I’ve lived the difference that kind of space can make. I’ve learned
www.womenworthwatching.com
Education: MBA, HR from Purdue University Global; BSBA, Finance from Argosy University; BA, English from University of Kolkata Company Name: Oncourse Home Solutions Industry: Home Warranty
Company CEO: Aaron Cooper
Company Headquarters Location: Naperville, IL Number of Employees: 630
Words you live by: Be present
Who is your personal hero? My grandfather - he came to India from China at 15 with nothing, built a business, and helped establish the Chinese community. What book are you reading? Start With Why by Simon Sinek
What was your first job? Cost Accounting Associate
Favorite charity: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Interests/Hobbies: Pottery, yoga, and the outdoors hiking, biking, running.
Family: Husband, Joseph Lee and sons, Dylan Lee and Marcus Lee
that when you consider multiple perspectives, progress and innovation happen. And at the end of the day, I take pride in leading with both data and empathy — balancing the human and the analytical, because both matter. Today, I lead with purpose, grounded in the rich tapestry of experiences that have shaped me. I bring a global perspective and a wide-angle lens — one that sees complexity not as a barrier, but as an opportunity for deeper understanding. I approach challenges with curiosity and respect for diverse points of view, always striving to create spaces where people feel seen, valued, and empowered. I am proud of where I’ve come from — and I lead the way I live: grounded in purpose, guided by empathy, and driven to make a meaningful impact, one person and one policy at a time.
2025 Second Quarter
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