Sylvia Buffington-Lester

Sylvia Buffington-Lester is a native of Richmond, VA. She retired in February, 2018, after 30 plus years as a Forensic Scientist at the Virginia Department of Forensic Science, where she supervised the Latent Print, Footwear/Tire Tread and Forensic Photography Units. She is currently an affiliate adjunct faculty member of Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Forensic Science Department, where she has taught for 15 years in the undergraduate and graduate programs. In May of 2015, she received the Distinguished Adjunct Faculty Award from VCU's College of Humanities and Sciences.

She pursued a major in vocal education at Virginia State University in Petersburg, Virginia prior to her education and training in the science of friction skin.  She was employed for 16 years with the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Washington, DC, as a fingerprint examiner.

Sylvia has been a member Cavalier Chapter of ABWA since 1987. Her previous ABWA experiences include 1989 Chapter Woman of the Year, Vice President and President. She served on ABWA's National Board of Directors and Trustees as 1993/94 District IV Vice President and 1994/95 National Secretary -Treasurer. Additionally, Sylvia was selected in 1999 as a Top Ten Business Woman of ABWA.

A proven effective leader, Sylvia serves on the Editorial Board of The International Association for Identification and is Past President and Chair of the Board of Directors of the Chesapeake Bay Division of the International Association for Identification. She recently served as Chair of the Board of Directors of the Richmond Women's Business Consortium (RWBC), which represented a working alliance between local women's organizations; Cavalier Chapter of ABWA was among the list of member organizations. Throughout her career, she has received numerous awards and commendations for her professional contributions and community commitments.

In addition to her 47 years forensic science career, Sylvia has motivated and entertained a number of audiences. As the daughter of a jazz musician, singing jazz is something she has done since childhood. Known for her ability to "turn a phrase," she has been interviewed by print and television medias, including AP Press and Discover Channel.  Sylvia rendered the keynote address at the 2013 Virginia Commonwealth University Forensic Science's Graduation Diploma Ceremony. She established Buffington Voice Academy in 1997, through which she provides vocal coaching for singers and speakers.

Sylvia Buffington- Lester has a "can-do, dare to be different" attitude and believes that using one's existing talents and abilities, dreams can turn into reality; most of hers have.

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