Two Honorary Degree recipients will be recognized during the 2024 Commencement ceremonies. Renowned American academic and author Dr. Meredith Woo will serve as Simmons’ Commencement speaker at the morning ceremony. Trailblazing Nobel Memorial Prize-winning economist Dr. Claudia Goldin will serve as our afternoon Commencement speaker.

• Commencement

Hannah Ibañez ’13 is a Level 2 Public Defender in Los Angeles who was appointed to the United States Access Board by President Joe Biden. She spoke with us about her passion for social justice, her love of philosophy, and her fondest memories of Simmons.

• Careers and Internships
• Social Justice & Advocacy

Kerri Axelrod ’22DPD completed the Didactic Program in Dietetics Certificate at Simmons, and now offers nutrition counseling through her private practice, Kerri Axelrod Wellness, where she focuses particularly on the connection between gut health and mental health.

• Careers and Internships
• Entrepreneurship

“Audiences [today] are much more aware of the dangers of toxic masculinity, and that doesn't read as sexy anymore. I think you have more sophisticated feminist viewers,” says Leonard.

• Social Justice & Advocacy

Julia Wilen ’24, a double major in Spanish and Women’s and Gender Studies, with a minor in Literature and Writing, began her work supporting survivors of violence before she came to Simmons and stayed involved throughout her time at the University.

• Community Engagement
• Senior Profile
• Social Justice & Advocacy

Exercise Science student and Barbara Lee Fellow Haleigh St.Hilaire ’24 explores the intersection of Exercise Science and Public Health through her internship at the Massachusetts State House.

• Careers and Internships
• Research
• Scholarships and Financial Aid
• Senior Profile

Neurobiology major Debora Edouard ’24 discusses her favorite moments at Simmons, her research, and her unique experience as a first-generation college student.

• First-generation Student
• Leadership
• Mentorship
• Research
• Senior Profile

Political Science and Spanish double major Estela Raya-Fouts ’24 discusses impactful internships, catching the travel bug, her favorite course and more Simmons memories.

• Community Engagement
• Mentorship
• Research
• Senior Profile
• Study Abroad

Bella Yee ’24 is a Public Relations and Marketing Communications major, with minors in Business and Public Policy. She is the Communications Director for the Student Government Association and Co-President of the Communications Liaison. Yee also interned for the Massachusetts legislature, most recently for the Office of Representative Adrianne Ramos.

• Careers and Internships
• Community Engagement
• Senior Profile
• Study Abroad

Biology major Leila Aydibi ’24 discusses getting involved on campus, participating in a research project, being a first-generation student, and some of her favorite Simmons courses.

• Community Engagement
• First-generation Student
• Research
• Senior Profile