Community & Leadership Engagement
Service and social impact at Simmons
In 1899, founder John Simmons imagined a more inclusive future. Long before women in America could vote, he established Simmons on the belief that women should be able to support themselves and lead purposeful lives. This commitment to inclusion and empowerment led to Simmons graduating its first African-American student in 1914. In the early 1900s, at a time when many institutions imposed limits, Simmons admitted Jewish students without restriction.
Today, you're invited to carry that legacy forward through service and social impact. We offer many ways to get involved. These include:
- Community service and volunteer programs in the Boston community
- Opportunities to lead social justice efforts in areas like housing and public health
- Campus partnerships, donation drives, and advocacy projects
- Creative projects that use art to explore social justice
Opportunities for Community Engagement
Service and advocacy are part of everyday life at Simmons. You connect what you learn in the classroom to real needs in the community.
At the Stephen D. London Center for Community Engagement and Social Justice, you can develop leadership skills while making a positive difference. The center supports undergraduate and graduate courses in disciplines as varied as physical therapy and management, which connect you to the Boston area community through projects and direct service.
You can deepen your impact through signature programs like Bonner Community Leaders, Alternative Spring Break, Simmons Serves, and Girls Inc. Each year, the Center recognizes a student whose work has made a unique and lasting contribution through the Jennifer McKee Student Award.
A Pathway to Leadership
You'll have the chance to develop leadership skills throughout your time at Simmons. Through the Jennifer Eckert Center for Leadership & Engagement, you can explore how to lead in ways that reflect your values and respond to real-world challenges.
In the Everyday Leadership Pathway program, you can strengthen your leadership through using workshops and hands-on experiences.
What Our Students Say
Simmons made me a leader because it taught me how to talk to people without fear of judgment. Simmons truly fosters such a judgment-free environment that I found myself leading discussions and conversations simply because I felt safe to do so.
- Syeda Anas ’26
Simmons has taught me that leadership is born out of quiet observation, healthy curiosity, authenticity, and humility.
- Kim Richard ’26
“I used to believe that a leader was someone who works alone. At Simmons, leadership is more collaborative. I see Simmons as an incubator, where leaders are fostered and supported, then go out to different parts of the world to spread those waves of change, one person at a time.”
- Rashida Hagakore ’24, BSBA in Business and Management
Choosing Simmons also means choosing yourself. The small class sizes, inspiring community, and unmatched location and opportunities will help you achieve your biggest dreams.
- Claire Tuquero ’26
Community Engagement in the News
Celebrate Pride Month 2026 in Boston
We have compiled a roundup of local events, communities, and organizations offering opportunities for support and celebration during Pride Month 2026.
Barbara Lee Fellows Celebrate at State House
The 2025–26 Barbara Lee Fellows, as well as numerous Massachusetts legislators, attended an end-of-year celebration at the State House. Simmons President Lynn Perry Wooten, Assistant Vice President for Diversity, Strategy, and Engagement Dr. Rachel Deleveaux, and the Fellows shared reflections and expressions of gratitude.
Bridging Public Art and Public Service
Art history major Cathie Behrend ’70 recently received a Legacy Award from the 92nd Street Y in New York City. We spoke with her about receiving this honor, her love of art and public service, and her Simmons experience.
Shared Discovery and Community Building in STEM
During her time as a Simmons student, Giselle Yang enjoyed serving as a teaching assistant (TA), tutor, and student liaison, and participating in the Break Through the Tech AI program. As a TA and tutor for several classes, she helped other students while also deepening her own understanding of these subjects.
Public Librarianship and Community Involvement
Sydney Villegas ’26MS reflects on how she was encouraged to bring her interests and passions to her coursework and create projects that she was genuinely excited to explore as a graduate student in library and information science.
Community Immersion and Everyday Leadership
Africana studies and international relations major Alexandra “Ale” Huamán ’26 reflects on four years at Simmons: getting involved in the Boston community, being a Barbara Lee Fellow, and studying abroad to name a few of the activities she packed in.
Forays into Information Literacy and Civic Engagement
Fiona Coughlin ’26MS conducted an independent research project on building social media literacy skills for undergraduate students. To make this possible, she secured International Review Board approval to conduct interviews with the General Education faculty at Simmons, and grant funding from the Simmons Center for Information Literacy.
Digitizing Local Archives and Reminiscing with Alumnae/i
Jenn Leishman ’26 reflects on choosing their major, an internship in the West End Museum in Boston, favorite courses, and how Simmons helped prepare them for a career as a library professional.