Passions
Simone is committed to using her platform to elevate and advance cultural conversations, inspire all people to dream beyond traditional assumptions and to enrich the lives of others. To that end, she has focused her advocacy efforts in main areas of close personal connection.
Make a Splash
As an Ambassador for USA Swimming Foundation Make a Splash, Simone lives out her commitment to increasing water safety and access to swimming lessons for traditionally underserved and minority communities. Through her partnership with Make a Splash, Simone is specifically focused on making water safety accessible for all people.
I Promise School Partnership
Simone partnered with LeBron James’ I Promise School, the USA Swimming Foundation, and Akron YMCA to provide free swim lessons to I Promise students over the summer. The inaugural swim camp took place in June 2019, offering cost-free lessons to 140 attendees. Of those attending, 125 – nearly 90% – had never been in the water before. The camp was the launching pad for a larger partnership between Simone and I Promise, rooted in her commitment to save lives through swim lessons by reinforcing the importance of water safety through programming in schools. She continues to push for diversity and access in the sport, because swimming is a life saving skill that everyone should be offered.
ALS Awareness
ALS is a neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord and there is no cure. In honor of her aunt Glynn Marie Joyner who was diagnosed in 2018 and everyone living with this devastating disease, Simone is proud to partner with the ALS Association in the fight towards a world without ALS.
The Conscious Kid
The Conscious Kid is an education, research, and policy organization dedicated to equity and promoting healthy racial identity development in youth. They are a critical resource for organizations, families, and educators in taking action to disrupt racism in young children. Simone works in various ways to raise funds and awareness for The Conscious Kid, including a portion of the sales from her TYR x Simone line.
Hunger Not Impossible
Hunger: Not Impossible is an innovative text message technology that connects kids and families in need with prepaid, nutritious go-to meals from nearby restaurants. When COVID began shutting schools and restaurants down, Simone partnered with H:NI to help solve for food insecurity while supporting local restaurants. For every $7 raised, a hungry person gets a safe, hot and healthy meal while keeping small business going.