Synthia Saint James (born February 11, 1949) is an American visual artist, author, keynote speaker, educator and actor in the 70s.

She is best known for designing the original cover art of the hardcover edition of Terry McMillan's book Waiting to Exhale.

[2][3] Synthia Saint James was raised in Los Angeles, California and the Bronx, New York.

In 1976, Synthia Saint James appeared in the film Emma Mae (also known as Black Sister's Revenge).

The film is set in Compton, CA and played the role of Ulika Stansell, cousin to the title-character Emma Mae.