My name is Sydney Gina Wohlman, though most people in both my professional and personal worlds know me as Syd the Kid .I am a designer, storyteller, and creative leader whose work sits at the intersection of branding, culture, and community.
Professionally, I have carved out a space as a multidisciplinary creative with a growing portfolio that spans branding, advertising, cultural initiatives, and entertainment. I have been on the teams behind some of South Africa’s most loved and valuable brands, including MTN, FNB, Klipdrift, Pick n Pay, and SABC3 as well as contributed to rebrands, campaign rollouts, and identity development that shape how millions of South Africans experience and connect with these household names. Among my independent projects, I recently led the rebrand of Blind Herstory, a spin-off of the acclaimed Blind History podcast, where I reimagined its visual language to align with its mission of amplifying women’s stories.
Beyond execution, I have increasingly stepped into leadership and mentorship roles. I am proud to serve as the Deputy Chairperson of the Loeries Youth Committee, where I help shape the future of the creative industry by championing young voices and fostering platforms for growth and recognition.
I believe I was nominated for the Jewish Achievers Rising Star Award because my journey reflects not only professional achievement but also the values of resilience, innovation, and contribution. As a young Jewish woman in the creative sector, I have worked to show that design is more than aesthetics; it is a form of storytelling, identity-building, and cultural dialogue.
Being proudly Jewish in an industry that has very little Jewish presence/ representation is also a cornerstone of my identity. It means carrying my heritage into spaces where it is often invisible, and using that perspective as a strength. My Jewish values; community, resilience, creativity, and questioning, shape the way I approach design and leadership.
What makes me a worthy winner is not only the achievements of my portfolio to date, but also the trajectory I am building. My vision is to eventually establish an agency of my own that can mentor and elevate the next generation of creatives while showcasing our voices and talent on the global stage.
In many ways, my career is still in its early chapters but it is already proof of what is possible when passion meets purpose. To me, this award is not just recognition of what I have done, but a reminder of what still lies ahead: a future where Jewish creativity is visible, celebrated, and inspiring others to believe that their stories matter too. If I am chosen as a Rising Star, I will carry that title not only as a personal honour, but as a commitment to keep building on creative innovation, stories, and futures that last long after the spotlight fades.