With over 15 years of experience in youth development, Simone has worked in both social services and the education sectors. Before joining the BPL team, she was the College and Career Readiness teacher and Work-based Learning Coordinator for a NYC public high school. There she exposed students to various real world learning opportunities through job site visits, and in-person and virtual career exploration activities. She now serves the Big Picture team as a School Leadership and Innovation Partner, for the NY office; bringing with her a deep passion for work that ushers youth into 21st century career readiness.

This Jamaican-Bronxite has a deep love for service, which led her to start a non-profit organization focused on youth educational services. She loves engaging in community outreach projects locally and abroad, especially when they focus on youth development.

Poet, educator, published author, podcaster and entrepreneur, Simone wears many hats, and loves to express her creative side. When she isn’t working, you can probably find her reading YA lit or writing poetry on the plane, because she also loves to travel.

Simone holds undergraduate degrees in English Literature from Northern Caribbean University in Jamaica and Hunter College NY. As well as graduate degrees and advanced certifications from Hunter College, Empire State College and Buffalo State College.