"It is why each year at our Healthcare Business Summit we celebrate and recognize remarkable individuals who have changed lives for the better. Simone Joye represents the spirit of the Norman Borlaug Humanitarian Award, and we commend her extraordinary behavior in helping Atlanta's homeless children see a better life beyond the streets."
Halsey Wise, chairman and chief executive officer, MedAssets
Halsey Wise, chairman and chief executive officer, MedAssets
Simone Joye Eford, provides award-winning leadership services and advice to nonprofits, small businesses, celebrities, public officials, and faith-based professionals. Currently, she is the Chief Development and Communications Officer for Jericho Project. For over 25 years, Simone has been a visionary, charismatic entrepreneur and public speaker, with a long history of leadership and advocacy in New York City, New Jersey and Atlanta. A Hunter College graduate, Simone has used her gift as a writer to become a million-dollar fundraiser supporting young people and their families. Simone is a three-time executive director and founder of two nonprofits--Young People Matter (YPM) and the National Association of Nonprofit Professionals (NANPP) where she serves as the Board President. Early Career After turning down law school admission, Simone began her journalism and public relations career. By the age of 21, she was a PR representative for Harlem’s Uptown Chamber of Commerce and then, Jive Records. At 23, she was one of the youngest on the editorial staff for the PR, business and Canadian newswires at The Wall Street Journal/Dow Jones & Co. She went on to serve as the Community Affairs Editor at the Black weekly, the City Sun where her cover story on Darryl King, who was imprisoned for 14 years, assisted in his exoneration and release. Simone has served as a board member of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ). Career Path Simone began her professional nonprofit career at the YWCA of Greater New York where she was a grant writer and the Assistant Director of their Harlem Branch in charge of grant writing, marketing and communications. Individually, she has raised millions dollars for charitable causes. She is among the nation's premier nonprofit leaders who has helped to create, develop, and sustain a multitude of nonprofit organizations, programs and board leadership. Simone is a federal grant reviewer and a nationally recognized grant writer trainer, with a specialization in federal grants and procurements. She had conducted fund development trainings to employees of the Boys & Girls Clubs, the Salvation Army, the NAACP, the SCLC, among others. In 2011, she opened the first emergency youth shelter in DeKalb County, GA, which served over 4,000 young people. YPM financial contributors have included Tyler Perry, AT&T, Oracle, the US Department of Health and Human Services, etc. Simone stepped down as the executive director in 2015 and has devoted more time and resources to helping other individuals and organizations thrive. Simone has also worked on communications and press strategies for several elected officials including the late NY State Senator, Joseph Galiber, Assemblywoman Gloria Davis, NYC CouncilMember Robert Cornegy, Jr., and NJ Assemblyman Edward Willis III. In 2010, Simone ran for a seat in the Georgia Assembly. An avid international traveler, she has coordinated group travel to Bermuda, Senegal, Ghana, St. Lucia and in 2017, she will lead travelers to Paris and Mexico. As a consultant and coach, Simone's clients have included both small and large nonprofits, corporations, and individuals including: PSE&G, the Rosa Parks Foundation, Radio One Atlanta, the DeKalb County Chamber of Commerce, the governments of Bermuda and Ghana, and Hip Hop Pioneers Kurtis Blow, Kool DJ Red Alert, among others. Recognized Leader For her unwavering commitment and passion in helping others succeed she has received numerous awards and accolades including the:
Simone has written several articles regarding the nonprofit sector and American social issues. She has been quoted and/or featured in a number of media outlets including Black Enterprise, CBS Atlanta, Newsweek, SCLC Magazine, the Newark Star Ledger, the Atlanta Voice, the Atlanta-Journal Constitution, ChampionNews, Stone Mountain-Redan Patch, Ghana Newsonline and on countless radio shows. Personal Simone is an avid Motown fan! She is a divorced mom of two wonderful children, aspiring actress A'shey and student athlete Chad, as well as as surrogate mom to countless others who call her "Mama Joye." . |
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