Dr. Kaia S. Simmons is a public affairs professional, education advocate, community engagement strategist, and entrepreneur whose career has centered on strengthening communities through education, strategic partnerships, and public service. She currently serves as Manager of Public Affairs for Atmos Energy’s Louisiana Division, where she leads community engagement efforts, develops strategic partnerships, and works alongside nonprofit, education, government, and community organizations throughout Southeast Louisiana.

A native of Baton Rouge, Dr. Simmons has a longstanding commitment to improving educational opportunities for children and families. Prior to joining Atmos Energy, she served as Volunteer and Community Partners Director for Volunteers In Public Schools (VIPS), where she strengthened relationships among schools, businesses, community organizations, and volunteers in support of students in East Baton Rouge Schools.

Dr. Simmons holds a Master of Public Administration and a Ph.D. in Public Policy, with a concentration in education policy. Her doctoral research examined the impact of community involvement on the academic performance of elementary students in East Baton Rouge Parish, reinforcing a belief that continues to guide her work: improving educational outcomes requires not only strong schools, but engaged families, businesses, policymakers, and communities.

Her commitment to children and education extends into her civic leadership. Dr. Simmons is a founding board member of the Center for Early Learning Excellence in the Baton Rouge Area Together for Every Child (CELEBRATE), an initiative focused on strengthening access to high-quality early learning opportunities for children and families. She also currently serves on the board of Knock Knock Children’s Museum, supporting its mission to provide engaging learning experiences that foster children’s development, curiosity, and creativity.

Dr. Simmons is particularly passionate about expanding access to high-quality early childhood education, addressing inequities affecting students and families, strengthening public understanding of education policy, and mobilizing community investment in public education.

Beyond her corporate and civic work, Dr. Simmons is an entrepreneur and co-author of the children’s book Emily and the Invisible Goat, written with her daughter, Genesis. The book uses storytelling to help young children explore focus, self-regulation, perseverance, and empowerment.

Through the Alliance’s CHANGEMAKERS program, Dr. Simmons looks forward to deepening her understanding of Baton Rouge’s education landscape and strengthening her ability to champion policies, partnerships, and investments that create meaningful and equitable opportunities for every child.