We are excited to welcome Ivory J. Simms into our team! Ivory is joining us as the Director of Operations and Partnerships. You can learn more about her in the interview below.
What is your role and what projects will you be working on?
In my role, I am responsible for the business operations and community partnerships of the Swetland Center. I will be working on community-engaged research projects such as The Clinical and Translational Science Collaborative (CTSC) of Northern Ohio.
Where are you from?
I am a proud native of Dayton, Ohio. I have spent time living in Washington, D.C. and Atlanta, Georgia. I relocated from Atlanta to Cleveland and have been living in the Greater Cleveland area for 4 years.
What is your background in?
I have an extensive background in Environment, Health, Safety and Sustainability (EHS&S) services as a consultant within diverse industries. My expertise spans across private and non-profit sectors providing operational excellence and enterprise-wide solutions. In academia, I spent the past 4 years completing my PhD in Designing Sustainable Systems examining access barriers in local food systems.
What excites you about joining the Swetland Center?
I am excited to partner with the community of scholars and staff at the Swetland Center. I have always admired the work and partnerships of Swetland as the mission of the center aligns with my values. I am passionate about developing policy and producing community-centered outcomes through evidenced-based research.
What is your favorite outdoor space in Cleveland or a place you want to explore?
I enjoy hiking and find solace in the great outdoors. Some of my favorite spots are Euclid Creek and Rocky River Reservations. I want to take a cruise and explore some of the islands of the Great Lakes, such as Kellys and Put-in-Bay islands.
What piece of advice you have been given or quote/statement that is significant to you?
People spend most of their lives trying to find themselves and become something they are not. Do yourself justice by tapping into the core of who you are. Your gifts and talents are intrinsically tied to your purpose - which is greater than you.
Article Date
June 20, 2024
