A proud native of Brooklyn, New York, and the granddaughter of Caribbeanimmigrants from Guyana, St. Vincent, and Grenada, Simone A. Nicholas embodies a legacy rooted in education, social action, and community service. Raised in a close-knit village where these values were paramount, Simone has carried them forward with remarkable impact throughout her career.

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Simone earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology and African-American Studies from Dartmouth College, followed by two Master’s Degrees in Education and Administration & Supervision from C.U.N.Y. Brooklyn College. She is currently completing her Educational Doctorate at Manhattanville

University, solidifying her lifelong commitment to learning and leadership.

Before launching her educational career, Simone honed her skills in the legal field, contributing to high- stakes cases involving wrongful death, malpractice, and personal injury. In 1996, she transitioned to education, starting as a teacher in Bedford Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. Over the years, she has held diverse roles across all five boroughs of New York City, making a lasting impact at both school and central office levels. Simone made history as the first Female and first African American Female Principal of The School by the Sea ~ P.S./M.S. 43Q in Far Rockaway, Queens. A passionate advocate for social justice and equity, she has transformed the school’s academic and cultural landscape. Under her leadership, the school doubled student proficiency scores, improved instructional rigor, enhanced school climate, and was successfully removed from New York State’s failing school list.

 

Her initiatives include all-expense-paid Ivy League and HBCU tours, the My Brother’s/My Sister’s Keeper mentorship programs, and restorative justice practices. Simone has also secured numerous grants for academic excellence and social-emotional learning, fostered community engagement through workshops, expanded adult learning programs, and strengthened partnerships with organizations providing job training and essential services. These efforts have established her school as a flagship food and health

hub for the Far Rockaway community. Simone’s influence also extends far beyond her school. She serves on various local, city, and state educational committees and has received numerous proclamations and awards from legislators and organizations for her mentorship, advocacy, and transformative leadership.

 

With over 40 years of public service, Simone is an active Legacy Life member and Immediate Past President of the National Council of Negro Women, Inc., Long Island Cross County Section. She also serves as Scholarship Chair of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Long Island Chapter, and as a Dartmouth College Ambassador Interviewer, where she champions diversity in higher education. Simone is also a founding member of Black Ed-fluencers United (BE-U) and The Off School Grounds (OSG) coalitions, platforms designed to support educational leaders and advocate for equitable opportunities for Black and Brown children in underserved communities.

 

A woman of faith, Simone is a member of the Christian Cultural Center. Simone embraces the teachings of Philippians 4:4-7, finding joy, gentleness, and peace through faith, prayer, and gratitude in all circumstances. She resides in Baldwin, New York, with her husband of 10 years, Stafford Nicholas, Jr. Together, they have a blended family of four exceptional young adults and three beloved “GlamBabies.”