As a Policy Associate, Simelia is responsible for building systems, processes, and resources to support the passage of our policy work.
Simelia has a robust background in both the policy and legal fields. She formerly worked in sentencing reform, advocating for case review for individuals experiencing long-term incarceration. She has worked on both the statewide and federal levels to create access, funding, and change across a variety of subject areas.
A combination of her own life experience, passion, and education, brings her to this work. Her main policy interests include decarceration, family reunification, and family preservation. She is a 2025 Criminal Justice Fellow with the Women’s Foundation Solís Policy Institute (SPI).