Profiles of African Americans at EPA: Vicki Simons
Profiles of African Americans at EPA
Vicki Simons, Senior Advisor
Office of Water
Washington, DC
Where were you born?
Jersey City, NJ.
What brought you to EPA?
I wanted an opportunity to combine my communications background with my desire to be an advocate for diverse communities. During my 24 year tenure here, I've been able to work on a wide array of issues, including chemical safety, diversity, state and tribal outreach, environmental justice, affirmative employment, human resources management and civil rights.
What type of work do you do at EPA?
As a senior advisor, I work closely with our leadership to create a more diverse workforce and implement civil rights initiatives in the Office of Water. I work to ensure that diverse communities enjoy safe drinking water and protect their health. Personally, I'm committed to opening doors of opportunities for all at EPA and have made this a goal during my 25 years here.
I'm particularly proud of my efforts to lead an award winning mentoring program at the agency. The program provided greater opportunities for employees at all levels to advance in their careers at EPA. I am also proud of my work with an EPA/Howard University Memorandum of Understanding that has resulted in more than 50 Howard students working in permanent positions and internships at EPA. I truly believe that EPA is one great place to work!
What is your highest level of education? What was your major?
I have a juris doctor from the University of Maryland's School of Law and a bachelors in communications.
What message would you like to send other Black/African Americans who are considering college or a career in environmental protection?
Our health is directly connected to the environment. We need your voice, perspective and expertise at EPA's table. This is the only way the agency will truly be able to protect human health and the environment.