Dr. Monica Simmons, Founder and CEO
As a teacher in the public and charter school setting for many years, Monica was filled with compassion when seeing the adversities that children were facing on a day-to-day basis. Witnessing firsthand how poverty and socioeconomic status hindered the academic success of many children, Monica, a New Orleans native found an escape out of the dying world around her through God and education.
Burdened with a call for change, Monica founded the not-for-profit organization, Empower With Purpose Inc. “ It’s true that everyone will not attend a higher learning institution but everyone was created for a purpose.” Monica believes that through guidance and exposure, children can find that purpose and use it as a map to success.
As the CEO of Empower with Purpose, Monica manages the daily operations of the organization, supervises the administration of all programs, train educators and her favorite of all- work directly with the children in the program.
Monica has an AA degree in Early Childhood Education, a BA in Education and an M. Ed in Administration and Leadership, and a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction. Monica volunteers at several schools and community events. She enjoys working with children, researching the latest developments, reading, watching documentaries and spending time with family and friends.