KISH:If you were to tell your younger self about who you are today, what would you tell her?Simone: I would tell my younger self the importance of my parents telling me to love myself. And no matter what challenges may come my way, it’s important to not just win the race but to stay in the race and eventually the wins will come. Also, to be determined, focused and dedicated.
KISH: What is your dream and how will accomplishing this dream benefit you and others?
Simone: I learned at a very early age the importance of not only having dreams but to make sure that you surround yourself with those who are in alignment with you. So that said, my dream is to help uplift folks within communities from situations such as not having food to feed the family, to get out of situations of domestic violence, to pursue education as well as for young folks to have access to resources to help better their situations.
KISH: Who or what inspired you to pursue this dream?
Simone: The will of God and my autistic son, Jarvis, are the two forces which inspire me every day. I’ve had to lobby and fight for Jarvis to have access to resources such as proper medical supplies and education for him to succeed and thrive.
KISH: What challenges have you encountered while pursuing your dream?
Simone: The same challenges many single parents endure – access to education for myself and my son, how I’ve had to educate him at home independently at first.
KISH: Who or what inspired you to keep pushing regardless of the challenges you’ve encountered?
Simone: My grandmother and Jarvis inspire me to keep going no matter what. I get my strength through my grandmother most importantly, Jarvis as well.
KISH: Please provide final thoughts/advice for others by finishing this sentence… dream.
Simone: There is always life after trauma. If you have dreams, your reality will then be a reflection of your dreams.
