Leadership has been in Dr. Shawn Emerson Simmons’ blood since kindergarten.
“I was the only girl in the class, and about six weeks later, they moved me out because I was intimidating all the boys,” she said. “My mom always pushed her kids to do all things, to excel, to lead, and to value education. Leading others would be my ticket to experiencing great things.”
That innate drive has carried Simmons from her childhood classroom to the global boardroom as an engineering executive in Houston, and now to one of the highest leadership roles in Black Greek life. Simmons is the South Central Regional Director of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, representing four states – Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, and Texas – and more than 15,000 members.
“It’s an opportunity, not a burden,” Simmons said. “When you can galvanize that many women for a common good, whether it’s scholarships, economic development, or environmental action, the impact is immeasurable.”
A lifetime of leadership
A proud member of AKA since her freshman year at the University of Oklahoma, when she joined the Kappa Psi Chapter in 1990, Simmons’ leadership journey in the sorority began early. She was selected as a 1991 AKA Leadership Fellow and later served as the National Second Vice President of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC).
Now a Silver Star and Life Member of the Xi Alpha Omega Chapter, Simmons has held numerous leadership positions within the organization, including chapter Basileus, where she helped establish the Ivy League Education & Charities Foundation, a 501(c)(3) entity that supports local educational initiatives.
Her leadership has also been recognized beyond the sorority walls. Simmons has earned honors such as Houston’s Most Influential, the Outstanding Women’s Leadership Award, the Mattelia B. Grays Leadership Development Award, and the Graduate Good Citizen Award. Professionally, she’s been celebrated with the University of Oklahoma Regents Award and the National Society of Black Engineers Golden Torch Award.
Balancing purpose and profession
Outside of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Simmons has built an impressive career spanning continents.
As Global Sustainable Procurement Manager at ExxonMobil, she leads supplier diversity, sustainability programs, and corporate social responsibility initiatives — work that, she notes, aligns closely with her service-driven values in AKA.
“There’s actually a correlation between what I do professionally and what I do in the sorority,” Simmons said. “Both roles are about community investment, social and economic impact, and making sure organizations are connected to what’s happening around them.”
So how does she manage the demands of corporate leadership and leading nearly 15,000 sorority members?
“Organization and a great support system,” she said without hesitation. “Everything is planned, everything is calendared. And I have a phenomenal team, from my chief of staff to my protocol committee, who help keep everything aligned.”
Leading with heart
For Simmons, leadership isn’t about titles — it’s about service.
“You can’t lead where you haven’t been,” she said. “Sometimes you have to roll up your sleeves and do the hard work that no one else wants to do. Every experience builds you for the next.”
She advises aspiring leaders, especially young Black women, to “listen more and say less,” adding, “Be willing to learn from those around you. Assume good intent. Laugh a little. Don’t take things too seriously, and have fun.”
That spirit of joy is ever-present. Known for her infectious smile and love for music, Simmons jokes that she’s often the one “leading the line dances” at events.
“Music, laughter, and connection — that’s what fills me up,” she said.
Faith, family, and forward movement
Married for 30 years to her “honey-do,” Philip Simmons, a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, and mother to Jonathan and Jacquelyn — both Greek-affiliated — Simmons calls her family her “anchor.”
“My family and mentors have been my foundation,” she said. “They’ve supported every academic, personal, and professional dream I’ve had.”
And through it all, faith remains her guiding force.
“No matter who’s in charge,” she said, “He’s still on the throne. That’s number one. My source comes from Him, not anybody else.”
As she steps into her new leadership role, Simmons is focused on unity, impact, and gratitude.
“This is not the time for ego or conflict,” she said. “We have to band together, resolve our differences, and move forward to make real change. When I get down or have a bad day, I go serve someone else. I write a thank-you note. I do something kind. That’s how I reset. Service keeps me centered.”
With her signature blend of faith, focus, and fun, Simmons embodies the Alpha Kappa Alpha creed of “service to all mankind” — and shows what it truly means to lead with purpose.
Top 5 Leadership Lessons from Dr. Shawn E. Simmons
South Central Regional Director, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
1. Listen more, say less.
“Leadership starts with observation. There are lessons all around you if you take the time to listen and learn before you speak.”
2. You can’t lead where you haven’t been.
“Every great leader starts by serving. Roll up your sleeves, do the work no one else wants to do — that’s where you learn what leadership really means.”
3. Organization is your superpower.
Between leading a 19,000-member region and managing a global corporate role, Simmons credits her success to planning every detail and surrounding herself with a capable, trusted team.
4. Assume good intent and keep your joy.
“Don’t take everything so seriously. Laugh a little. Have fun. Approach others with grace — it makes leadership lighter and more human.”
5. Lead with faith and gratitude.
“No matter who’s in charge, He’s still on the throne. When I feel overwhelmed, I serve someone else. Service and gratitude keep me grounded.”
