Meet Jay

Even as a child running around in the yard and hosting parties, I found something I loved in planning events and a passion for helping others. With my eye on the future, I earned a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and a Masters in Communication. Combining both passions and seeing the desire for small business owners and individuals alike to up their game, I founded J. Simms Events and J. Simms Public Relations + Marketing. Now, with over 10 years of professional event planning and communication experience, I’ve decided to blog about my experience with motherhood, decor, travel, entrepreneurship, and navigating corporate America while creating interactive experiences with other entrepreneurs and organizations. 

 

On top of my dedication to my husband and two children (with another on the way!), I have a dedication to philanthropic work. While crafting brand stories, sharing my own experience and life tips, and executing unique events, I’ve also mentored youth and speaks to groups about entrepreneurship and the criminal justice system, particularly life after incarceration and how to use communication techniques to build a personal brand.

 

One of my main focuses is breaking the cycle of recidivism, which is a person's relapse into criminal behavior during a three-year period following the prisoner's release. One of the biggest causes of recidivism is lack of employment and I want to change that with a hands-on approach.

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My work has been featured on Fox 5 DC, Let's Talk Live DC, Wake Up Washington, Great Day Washington, and more!  If you’re interested in booking to me to plan or speak at your upcoming event, please reach out to info@jay-simms.com.