Congratulations are in order for Paradise Valley Community College’s Executive Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Dr. Amina Simmons, who recently graduated from the State of Black Arizona’s African American Leadership Institute (AALI) program. The AALI was developed to give participants the opportunity to engage with Arizona’s foremost businesses and policy authorities in a dialogue about leadership and the African American community.
“Participating in a program like AALI means I’m further demonstrating my commitment to use my platform as a Black leader and being intentional in my pursuit of strategically designed and supportive spaces to grow my knowledge of the historical and current needs of Black Americans in Arizona. My cohort included some of the most dynamic and well-rounded Black leaders in the Metro Phoenix area; I’m honored to have gotten to meet and experience 10 intentional and immersive weeks with them. We are fired up to remain connected in service of our community,” said Simmons, who obtained her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Miami. Her dissertation focused on African American Women’s Experiences of Race-Based Traumatic Stress. She also holds a master's degree in Educational and Counseling Psychology from the University of Missouri-Columbia and a bachelor's degree in Psychology and Africana Studies from Pomona College.
According to the State of Black Arizona website, “The AALI curriculum builds from participants' experiences; emphasizing personal and professional development with a practical identity, current and relevant local and state issues, media relations and strategic direction among other topics.”
Upon completing the 10-week program, students were asked to share their ‘lead statement’ at graduation. Simmons' response: "I lead by loving people actively, all the time, even when it’s hard. I firmly prioritize the health and well-being of Black women and girls by using my educational experiences and access to expand my knowledge of policy. With the networks I’ve gained through AALI, I will increase my participation in organizations working to influence and drive policies that support a life well-lived for Black folks."
“Participating in AALI shifted my outlook on ways to support AZ’s Black community, particularly during conversations around civic engagement and policy,” Simmons continued. “Increased exposure to and understanding of how resources like electricity and water, for example, are closely linked to other disparities we see for Black folks reminded me there’s an abundance of work to be done; but it’s not impossible. With my enhanced knowledge, I hope to better serve by supporting community-driven programs, collaborating with local non-profits and other institutions of higher education to design participatory research projects, and increasing folks' literacy around racial equity.”
About Dr. Simmons
Dr. Simmons is a multi-talented, lovable, and high-energy researcher, clinician, and educator. She has experience serving demographically diverse populations in public and private colleges/universities, hospitals, community centers/clinics, and nonprofit organizations. Operating from a strengths-based model of partnership, Dr. Simmons utilizes therapeutic and participatory interventions to address both individual and historical trauma and resilience (from early childhood to the present), with an emphasis on racial stress and women’s wellness.
She believes collaborative conversations actualize change! In all she does, Dr. Simmons is committed to building strong relationships, where others feel empowered to access and maximize their potential, to align with their values and purpose.