MEET THE FOUNDER

 As the founder of Simon Says Consulting, Dr. Darico Simon-Baptiste brings more than 20 years of postsecondary experience in the areas of higher education, K-12, college, and career readiness, and nonprofit leadership. Dr. Simon-Baptiste serves as the Director of TRIO Programs at Baton Rouge Community College, where she leads the administration and implementation of three federally funded programs that provide academic support and opportunities to low-income, first-generation, and disabled students. She holds a Ed.D. in Higher Education Leadership from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, and an MPA with a focus on Nonprofit Management from Southern University and A&M College.

Simon-Baptiste has a proven record of success in staff development, curriculum development, grant writing, budgeting, and program evaluation. She has a strong track record of developing and managing several successful TRIO programs in her current role. She is a leader and presenter in the TRIO community and is passionate about assisting new professionals and developing leaders in the community. Dr. Simon-Baptiste serves as the immediate Past President of the Southwest Association of Student Assistance Programs (SWASAP), a nonprofit representing low-income, first-generation, veteran, and disabled students to ensure they have equal opportunity in higher education. She also represents the SWASAP region as a Board Member for the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE). In addition, Dr. Simon-Baptiste serves as the Governmental Relations Chair for the Louisiana Association of Student Assistance Programs (LASAP), where she works to increase the visibility of TRIO programs and align TRIO programs with Louisiana's priorities. Dr. Simon-Baptiste also serves as an advisory Board Member for Generation Hope NOLA, a nonprofit that ensures that student parents have success in higher education. Dr. Simon-Baptiste is also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, and the Women in NAACP.