Simona Simkins, Bilingual Advocate

Simona Perales Simkins (elle, they) is a Latine art-ivist, social justice educator, and cultural organizer with thirty years’ experience directing Applied Theatre companies and “jokering” theatre of the oppressed productions in cities spanning the U.S. A community-taught scholar, they also hold advanced degrees in Theatre, College Teaching, Multicultural Education, and Community Development from Emory University, UW-Superior, and the University of Missouri. Simona’s research includes Creativity Theory, Pedagogy of the Oppressed, Asset-Based Community Development, and Trauma-Informed Theatre. 

In addition, their background and training includes conflict transformation, restorative justice practices, and reiki healing. As a sexual assault advocate, their work is grounded in ancestral practices and earth-based traditions. At RCC, Simona provides culturally appropriate services to Spanish-speaking victims of sexual assault as well as preventing and addressing sexual violence in our communities. 

Simona is a busy-body that spends their free time song-weaving Native American flute, crafting haikus, upcycling used garments, and designing sacred spaces. Their interests include irreverent banter, current event podcasts, speculative fiction, and architecture. They are the humble parent of a heart-centered kindness sage, Coraline.