Lateefah Simon

A nationally recognized advocate for civil rights and racial justice, Lateefah Simon is a community organizer who has brought opportunity to our nation’s most rejected and marginalized. Her leadership continues to strengthen communities.

  • A nationally recognized advocate for civil rights and racial justice, Lateefah has over 20 years of executive experience advancing opportunities for communities of color and low-income women in the nonprofit and philanthropy sectors, with a specific focus on juvenile and criminal justice reform.
  • President of the Akonadi Foundation, dedicated to eliminating structural racism by providing grants and building support for racial justice movements.
  • MacArthur “Genius” Grant Fellow, the youngest woman to ever receive it.
  • Included on O Magazine‘s first ever “Power List”
  • Received a “Remarkable Woman Award” from Lifetime TV
  • Honored by JFK Presidential Library with a “Fenn Award”
  • A remarkable leader, she shows by example that solutions to big problems often begin with one person who is willing to act.  Lateefah Simon gives hope to thousands of families who are struggling to overcome the challenges of poverty and discrimination.

"An All-Star Speaker"

- University of Minnesota

"She is a dynamic speaker and her message is one that the students could not only relate to, but carry with them.”

- Cheyney University

Lateefah was an absolute delight and her presentation stole the show...so much positive buzz throughout the day! A HUGE success!

- Organization on Adolescent Pregnancy, Prevention and Parenting

'Awesome event! Everyone loved her. Totally engaged with students. Amazing person!"

- Tennessee Tech