This podcast features Simintha Esson digging into the High Leverage Practice of “Self”. Being authentically who you are in the world is not always easy. Simintha talks about how others would like to put values on you based on what they think they know about you, and how at her deepest core that did not make sense. In a time of intense grief, she took up running and with each step gained clarity on what she needed to be completely herself. She compels all to know that there is always space to be exactly who you are.
From humble beginnings in a remote region of Jamaica, Simintha Esson is now the first ever Chief Development Officer for the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) based in Washington, D.C. In this role she is responsible for developing and leading its comprehensive fundraising program which includes engaging current and future philanthropic donors, corporations, foundations, and government entities. Because of Simintha’s abilities, strategic partnerships have been forged with multiple Fortune 100+ companies to further the mission of CCSSO.
With a master’s in Social Justice and bachelor’s in Psychology from Loyola University Chicago, Simintha is often described as a technology savvy development and marketing professional. She has experience developing and executing national digital fundraising campaigns for multiple national nonprofits, such as the Infectious Diseases Society, American Cancer Society Action Network and the American Diabetes Association. With a resume reflecting continual community involvement, most recently Simintha was appointed to the Center for Healthcare Innovation’s board of directors.
