Edward A. Simon, II ' 17 MSEL
As we celebrate Black History Month I am honored and appreciative of the opportunity to share how the USD educational experience has strengthened and reinforced who I am personally and professionally. It is my belief that Black History Month as well as other cultural celebrations should be an everyday recognition and not just an annual reflective awareness acknowledgement.
I graduated from USD with a Masters of Executive Leadership (MSEL) in 2017. My experience at USD and the Executive Leadership program changed my life profoundly. Meeting the members of my cohort was the igniting catalyst that would impact my life’s trajectory. The support and camaraderie we shared provided the foundation we all needed for continual professional and personal growth and development. We grew to genuinely love one another throughout the process. I cannot say enough about the friendships I have gained during the program.
Based on my career journey It was my belief I was an effective leader until I entered the USD Master’s experience. The tangible skills and knowledge gained have made me a reflective, aware, and most importantly a thoughtful leader – a servant leader. I have and continue to use the knowledge gained throughout the program in my personal and professional life not only as a leader, but as a business owner. The determination and drive to start my own business and the impact it would have on myself, and the business community, was undeniable. The purpose and focus of my business venture would be to provide a platform predicated on all perspectives driven by a shared vision, to make our world a more inclusive and belonging place today and for future generations. Currently, I am the cofounder of The Diversity Advisors, a joint venture, for which I am immensely proud of. Our business is the direct result of the knowledge gained during my USD journey.
The master’s program had such a profound impact on my life that I encouraged my husband to embark on that journey and he graduated from the MSEL program in 2019. The program has changed both of our lives personally and professionally. Thank you, Ken, and Marjorie Blanchard, for developing this amazing curriculum.
I consider USD to be the best secondary institution in San Diego and the state of California. After graduating I knew I had to continue supporting and shouting from the rooftops about the USD experience. I believed the best way to do this was to join the alumni board. In 2023, I navigated the rigorous interview process and accepted an invitation to be an alumni board member. I was always told, “if you want to have influence, do not stand on the sideline, instead get involved and engaged.” As I pursued this exciting journey, I met some incredible people (members of USD Staff and Alumni). My experience on the board to date has been no less than amazing and enlightening. To witness and be part of the discussions with amazing and resolute individuals has been the highlight of my board experience and I have served on several boards. The board member’s passion to ensure current and future students experience a welcoming, belonging, and learning educational experience is at the forefront of our discussions.
Lastly, I must share a recent experience. On Saturday, February 10, I had an opportunity to attend USD’s Black Student Resource Center’s (BSRC) Black Men’s Brunch. I am so glad I did. Jay Rice and Myesha Henderson, the directors of the BSRC did an excellent job developing an agenda for the two events. Members of the Black Alumni Network (BAN) were also in attendance. As a Black Man and member of the USD Alumni Board, it was great to meet some of the most talented Black students enthusiastic about their educational journey and willingness to openly share about their USD experiences. We agreed to continue to cultivate relationships between the USD Alumni Board (through me and alumni staff), The Black Alumni Board (Mark Jones and others) and the BSRC. The three have already planned a meeting to discuss how BAN, the alumni board, and BSRC can offer support with the focus on how to enhance our Black students’ experiences at USD. Our collective influence will provide the foundation for our engagement.
I am a huge advocate for USD and the educational opportunities it affords. So much so, I have applied and been accepted in the USD School of Leadership and Education Sciences (SOLES) PhD Program starting fall of this year.
Interested in connecting with Edward? Email him at Edward.Simon@thediversityadvisors.com
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