Member Feature: Syllia Newstead (LC), is a freelance lighting designer with Live Nation Entertainment Inc.,.
Syllia is a new member and joined WILD at her first event during the WILD event at LEDucation in 2025. Take a look at what activity keeps Syllia rolling “AFTER HOURS“…
Syllia has always had an interest in rollerskating. She loved skating and skated with her niece and nephew when they were little. Rollerskating was a great way to express her self and also get some exercise in. It was where she could travel in time and not worry about the world. She also loves taking her beautiful orange skates on her vacations.
After seeing a flyer in town for Roller Derby, she was hooked. She knew it was a thing but it wasn’t real to her yet. Now Roller Derby is a very important part of her life. She has played as a jammer with four different leagues since 2017. Her home league is Free State Roller Derby in Rockville, MD where she was a captain for the Rock Villains during the 2023-2024 seasons. Her first bouts with Black Diaspora Roller Derby was at the Cornfed Tournament in Indiana, where the team won first place! Roller Derby has been able to bring her community and friendships. After a long day of work, it’s nice to not think about anything and just hit your buddies!
Syllia’s family is from Sierra Leone in West Africa. She loves her culture and wants more people to learn about Africa and Sierra Leone. She created a short film about Sierra Leone for its 62nd independence Day, highlighting its culture, music, people, and food.
