Sydnee Cseresznyes used her expertise in public affairs to create VOLT Strategies, which provides clients with strategic planning, government affairs, as well as business and economic development. VOLT Strategies works with everyone from small businesses to Fortune 500 companies, nonprofits, government entities and advocacy groups.
Cseresznyes has always been fascinated with solving complex problems, and this interest only intensified during her undergraduate and graduate schooling. “During my MPA program, I completed several internships that introduced me to various aspects of government affairs,” she says. “My final internship was with a local chamber of commerce, where I worked alongside their lobbying team during the legislative session. By the third day of that internship, I knew I wanted to build my career in this space. I loved the pace of the legislative session, the accessibility of legislators, and the tangible impact of the issues I worked on. Seeing the policies I advocated for come to life and benefit our clients after becoming law was incredibly rewarding.”
Throughout her experience, she has represented several clients before the Indiana General Assembly across a wide variety of issues from health care, telecommunications and tax policy to energy, alcohol and tobacco, among others. Her work as a lobbyist included writing policy for the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration’s substance and mental health programs.
“Before starting my own firm, I worked at two government affairs firms, and over time my desire to help clients navigate the complexities of their sectors grew,” she says. “I wanted to offer a broader, more personalized approach to solving their challenges.”
So, she created VOLT Strategies, a full-service public affairs firm dedicated to helping clients achieve their growth objectives in multiple ways.
“My daughter, Violet, after whom my business is named, inspired me to take this leap,” she says. “I wanted her to see the value of meaningful work and know that she can shape her own future and find joy in her career.”
And VOLT Strategies is doing meaningful work by creating a personalized approach for each client, meeting clients where they are, and providing strategic, tailored solutions to help them achieve their goals.
“I believe wholeheartedly in their potential, and I am passionate about helping them achieve their objectives,” she says.
Understanding that growth and change involves many factors including economic, geographical, political or social. VOLT Strategies works through these complexities with integrity and professionalism. “Advocacy is not just about lobbying for legislative changes – it’s a tool that every organization, company, government and individual can use to meet their goals,” Cseresznyes says. “Whether it’s building relationships with stakeholders, developing best practices or internal policies, navigating regulatory environments, gaining consensus for community or business changes, advocating for grant funding, or attracting businesses to reach economic development goals, advocacy is essential.”
VOLT Strategies understands this and specializes in providing the support necessary to succeed both in and outside of the statehouse.
Figuring out how to manage her business and being a parent, she has learned that striving to “do it all” may not be the healthiest approach. “There will be times when you can’t make it home for bath time or attend that important networking event, and that’s OK,” she says. “Success doesn’t require perfection. It took me years to find balance, but it has helped me become more intentional as a business owner and more present at home.”
“Lean into your community, your support systems and your network,” she adds. “Broaden your connections – schedule the coffees, attend the lunches and show up at events you may have not considered before. Growth can be uncomfortable, but discomfort often means you’re on the right path.”
