Rachel Simms (she/her) has experience working across a variety of industries including government, non-profits, and private firms. Her strength lies in her ability to creatively collaborate with diverse stakeholders to determine the best tailored solutions when faced with project management and program implementation challenges.
After graduating from California Polytechnic State University SLO with a bachelor’s degree in English, Rachel spent two years volunteering with the Peace Corps in Jamaica. During her time there, she taught literacy and managed a USAID grant funded project to improve literacy resources and training at a local primary school. She supports Elevated Up and Out’s mission as she believes all youth should be able to engage in similar transformative experiences, regardless of their background or resources.

Upon return to the United States, she obtained her master’s degree in public policy and management from Carnegie Mellon University to grow her leadership skills in the government industry. Utilizing her degree, she has worked for different community development initiatives that span across topic areas such as transportation, housing, healthcare, and tax policy. Her work with these initiatives include data analysis and visualization, program implementation, and strategic communications. 

She currently implements her communication and project management skills as a Proposal Manager for LMI LLC, a government consulting firm that provides necessary management advisory, logistics, and data analysis services to solve various government agency challenges. She also co-leads LMI’s LGBTQIA+ Employee Resource Group, focusing on providing LMI’s LGBTQIA+ employees professional development opportunities and a network of support.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Rachel spends her time hiking across Colorado with her partner and dog, trying out different restaurants, and enjoying new experiences whenever possible.