Lindsey Simmonds has nearly 20 years of experience in international development focused on women’s issues, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East. While living in Jordan, Simmonds focused on advancing women’s issues during her time working for the largest social development agency in the country. Later, she served as the Academic Director for an American study abroad program in Jordan and Syria. Most recently, Simmonds enjoyed 15 years working in philanthropy at the Buffett Foundation, where she oversaw tens of millions of dollars annually and designed programming for sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) programs in Africa. In addition to service delivery programs, Simmonds also created and led leadership and innovation programs for the global advancement of SRHR.
In 2020, Simmonds’ entrepreneurial spirit led her to transform her love of jigsaw puzzles from a hobby into an international business. Simmonds also established Intrepid Entrepreneurs with her co-founder. After nearly two decades in global development and SRHR, Simmonds is certain the talent to advance SRHR, equality, and employment exists among the youth and women of Africa.
