Safiya Jafari Simmons
CEOSJS Consultants CEO Safiya Jafari Simmons has more than 20 years of experience in communications, PR and media relations strategy and management. A former adjunct professor in PR and public affairs at Howard University, she’s had the honor of being the spokeswoman, strategist, and providing PR counsel to a number of high-profile clients, including the late U.S. Congressman Elijah E. Cummings, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform; former DC Schools Chancellor Michelle Rhee; and former President Obama advisor Joshua DuBois, to name a few.
Previously, Mrs. Simmons secured the contract to have SJS Consultants lead media operations for former First Lady Michelle Obama’s inaugural United State of Women Summit. Mrs. Simmons was also Communications Director for the Congressional Black Caucus; National Media and Communications Consultant for Save The Children’s Campaign for Healthy Kids; and media and communications strategist to several local and federal government officials and nonprofits, among them the District of Columbia government, the Virginia NAACP, the Center for Policing Equity, the Community Art Center (Cambridge), Urban Word NYC, and the Center for Global Policy Solutions.
An author, a connector, strategist and public speaker, Mrs. Simmons has a heart for working with people and organizations who are mission-focused and purpose-passionate. Her favorite clients and projects are those that impact social change: amplifying the voices of those unheard, advancing the work of those unseen, or advocating for causes that improve the quality of life for others.
Mrs. Simmons previously sat on the Board of Trustees for her undergraduate alma mater, Lehigh University, where she graduated with a Bachelor’s of arts in Journalism. She earned a Master’s degree in Writing Studies from St. Joseph’s University and is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. Currently, Mrs. Simmons is Chair of the Board for Katal Center for Equity, Health & Justice.