Dr. Kaia S. Simmons is a native of Baton Rouge but relocated to Atlanta, GA where she remained for twenty years. She returned to Baton Rouge eight years ago when she began working with Volunteers In Public Schools (VIPS) as the Volunteer Director. About a year later, she was promoted to Volunteer and Community Partners Director. In this role, she was responsible for recruiting volunteers and community partners, and sustaining their relationships with East Baton Rouge Parish (EBRP) public schools. Her responsibilities also entailed developing strong relationships with school administrators and elected officials to have a clear understanding of the individual goals and interests of East Baton Rouge Public Schools in order to appropriately place volunteers and community partners. Dr. Simmons has developed and managed many literacy initiatives and special programs, as well as launched Take The Lead, a high school leadership program for three years. She also worked as Legislative Aide to then District 5 Councilwoman Erika Green, now family court judge. This role afforded her the opportunity to forge strong connections with legislators and community leaders which has been an asset for her work at VIPS, and her current corporate and business pursuits. It also put her in direct position to engage with constituents and address community issues and civic issues that directly impact EBRP residents.