Gender Equity
Our approach to inclusion and belonging
Since our founding in 1899, Simmons University has been a pioneer in women's education and gender equity. Our mission, radical for its time, was providing women with the tools to earn independent livelihoods and lead lives of purpose.
That vision has endured — and delivered. Our incredible alumnae/i have challenged the status quo and helped build a more just world.
Today, Simmons is one of the few women-centered universities in the United States. Our commitment to gender equity is as important as ever, as we have expanded our women-centered undergraduate experience to include trans and non-binary students. Our academic programs, leadership development opportunities, inclusive admission policies, and community partnerships enable our graduates to thrive in their chosen fields.
Institutional focus on gender and social justice
- We integrate gender equity into our curriculum. We offer an undergraduate program in Gender History, and a master’s degree in Management with a concentration in Business and Leadership in Women’s Sports.
- Our Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion focuses on dismantling bias and creating an environment where all identities are celebrated.
- Our Institute for Inclusive Leadership hosts annual conferences that address gender equity in industries ranging from corporate boardrooms to the business of women's sports.
Support of diverse gender identities
While we maintain our identity as a women-centered college, our undergraduate admission policy deliberately includes diverse gender identities.
- We accept applications from individuals who were assigned female at birth.
- We accept students who consistently live and identify as women.
- We welcome students who do not fit the gender binary but feel they belong in a women-centered environment.
Stories Reflecting Diversity at Simmons
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.
Sharing the Untold Stories at Queer History Boston
Mik Hamilton '24MS ‘24MA is the archivist at Queer History Boston, a community archive dedicated to collecting, preserving, and sharing the rich LGBTQ+ histories of Boston and New England. Hamilton shares how the dual degree in LIS: archives management and history at Simmons prepared them for a dream job just before graduation.
A Global Perspective on Nutrition
Recent graduate Mishal Ali '26 reflects on how learning home-cooked Pakistani cuisine informed her studies in nutrition and dietetics at Simmons.
SLIS Alumnae/i Named Movers & Shakers
Jessica Chapel ’19MS and Katelyn Duncan ’16MS were selected for the 2026 Movers & Shakers by Library Journal.
Why Learn Spanish for Healthcare Careers?
Language skills matter more than ever in the diverse and multifaceted field of healthcare. Knowing Spanish is especially valuable and can make a real difference in your healthcare career.
Experts Discuss Meteoric Rise of Women’s Sports
Sports industry leaders gathered for a discussion on the thriving business of women’s sports at Simmons University’s Institute for Inclusive Leadership’s 47th Annual Leadership Conference. Media executive and Professor of Practice Justine Pouravelis served as the moderator.
The Transformative Power of Children’s Literature
Cassie Sheets-Kavanagh ’18MA, who earned her master of arts in children’s literature at Simmons, is pursuing a PhD in curriculum, instruction, and teacher education at Michigan State University.
SON Alumna Makes Impact in Pediatric Neurology
Beverly Byron ’75, is currently the co-chair of the Montgomery County (Maryland) Department of Health and Human Services’ Child Fatality Review Team. She is a longtime nurse educator and legal nurse consultant who double majored in nursing and sociology at Simmons.