Simona Simpson-Thomas is the CEO and Founder of Freedom Dreams, an organization focused on dismantling systems of oppression by prioritizing the needs of marginalized communities to improve academic, social, and economic outcomes. Through strategic partnerships with schools, nonprofits, and community groups, she works to engage, elevate, and empower underrepresented voices. With over 15 years in education as a teacher, district leader, and building administrator, she has been an advocate for racial and educational equity. She strongly believes in the power of the collective and remains a champion for improving outcomes for Black and Brown students. Her efforts have allowed urban students to have increased access to dual enrollment, work-based learning, and college and career opportunities. Most recently, she was named the 2020 New England Secondary School Consortium Champion for the State of RI. She earned her bachelor’s degree in history from Howard University and her master’s degree in teaching from Brown University. She is a wife, and mother to her two sons, Liam and Eli Thomas.