About Us
Simmons Leadership Services is a consulting agency that works to support and develop professionals and organizations across sectors including K-12 education, higher education, non-profit, out-of-school time , and more. Simmons Leadership Services is committed to cultivating and increasing the competency and confidence among professionals in a variety of areas.
Meet Sheneika
Sheneika Simmons is the Founder and Principal Consultant of Simmons Leadership Services. Sheneika earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Psychology from Ferrum College, a Masters of Science in Educational Studies from Johns Hopkins University, and is a current Ph.D. student in Human and Social Services at Walden University.
She is an Afterschool Coaching for Reflective Educators in STEM (ACRES) facilitator, a White-Riley-Peterson Afterschool Policy Fellow, an awardee of the National Afterschool Association's (NAA) Next Generation of Afterschool Leaders and Board of Directors member, a LEAD (School Mental Health Certification (MHC) Instructor, a BOOST Café Ambassador, and a Teach For America (TFA) alumni, advisory council member, and steering committee member.
She is a former educator and currently works to support and shape a more equitable afterschool and educational landscape nationally. She has had the pleasure to engage with youth, families, schools, communities, and organizations in various capacities.
Sheneika is passionate about supporting youth to be the leaders of tomorrow. Sheneika believes that all professionals have the capacity to enhance their organizational and personal competence, confidence, and connections.
Past Speaking Engagements & Workshops
Cuyahoga County Youth Work Institute
Adolescent Health Advocates Fellowship
Sheneika conducted the closing keynote for the AHA Fellowship graduation. In the keynote, Sheneika discussed her personal experiences with youth and the value of professionals engaging youth.
2024 Smart Start Conference
Sheneika hosted a grant writing workshop at the 2024 Smart Start Conference in Greensboro, NC.
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Participants said the following about the session:
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"The presenter was wonderful. She had such a great personality and it made the session so fun. I also really appreciate the concrete resources that she gave us. I feel very motivated to search for more grant options."
"She is absolutely fabulous. I’ve never learned so much in one session in 25 years of EC conferences."
She was an amazing speaker and I hope she comes back next year."
Indiana Department of Education's Title Con 2024
Sheneika lead the closing keynote of IDOE's Title Con 2024. In the keynote, The Cost of Student Engagement, Sheneika addressed ways to engage students, remain fiscally responsible, and develop meaningful relationships with students.
National After School Association Convention 2024
Sheneika opened the second general session of NAA24 Convention and invited all participants to #Belong in a thriving workforce. She and her co-host, Matrex Kilgore, discussed the ways in which afterschool has impacted their lives and led to their work within the field. They also introduced the 2024 class of Next Generation of Afterschool Leaders.
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Sheneika also facilitated two workshops, "Grant Writing is for YOU!" (rated a top 30 workshop) and "Making Space at the Table".
Afterschool HQ Webinar
Sheneika hosted a webinar with Afterschool HQ about sustainable practices. Participants were able to learn about a variety of topics, including grant writing, increasing inclusive practices, and entrepreneurship.
Synergy Conference 2023
Sheneika hosted a workshop centered on out-of-school time programs identifying, researching, and writing high-quality grant narratives.
Judah Ministries Financial Awareness Webinars
Sheneika led a two-part webinar series, in collaboration with Simmons Creative Solutions, LLC., on non-profit and for-profit funding opportunities.
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Indiana Afterschool Network Webinar Series
Sheneika hosted two webinars (live and recorded) titled, #WinningGrants! Expanding Your Grant Writing Toolkit and From Surviving to Thriving: Identifying & Writing High-Quality Grants.
Participants stated the following about the webinars:
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"All the information! I’m new to this and needed all the information Sheneika covered."
"Great presenter!"
"The presenter was well organized and upbeat but most of all informative"
Indiana Afterschool Network Summit 2023
Sheneika hosted a workshop and the closing keynote for the Indiana Afterschool Network Summit 2023. In the keynote, participants were able to reflect on all of the concepts, ideas, and perspectives acquired throughout the Summit and practice strategies for implementation.
National After School Association Convention 2023
Sheneika hosted the opening General Session for the National Afterschool Association. The Speaker Series featured top-notch out-of-school time (OST) professionals from across the nation. For the kick-off session, speakers set the tone for the Convention. All the presenters, including Sheneika, shared their ability to touch the collective soul and inspire all participants with their messages centered on the theme: "Celebrating You. The Incredible, Unique, Special Afterschool Professional". She also presented two grant writing workshops.
Ferrum College Leadership Series 2023
Sheneika led a three-part leadership series for student leaders at Ferrum College. Each workshop focused on core soft skills (i.e., communication, design thinking, and brand development).
Bridging the Gap STEM Education Conference 2022
Sheneika hosted a workshop focused on increasing accessibility and infusing all four core subject areas (mathematics, science, literacy, and social studies) into STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education.
Synergy Conference 2022
Sheneika hosted a keynote centered on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education as a valuable learning tool to address learning recovery, in collaboration with the Afterschool Alliance and Dropping Seeds in Motion.