We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ciera Simril. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ciera below.

Ciera, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

I reflected on how my mission began about how my life would go after talking to my grandma. It will be 2 months since she went to be with my ancestors on June 9th so remembering this day means a lot. My mission began at 5 years old telling my grandma about what I wanted to do when I became an adult. Most children come up with realistic careers or something imaginary. My answer to my grandma was that I would help elderly and homeless people. She asked how I would do this, I explained that God would order my path. You must be careful about the words you cast into the world about what your heart desires. As time went on my mission grew to include more people and how I would help them throughout the years. After years of community service involvement fast forward to the young women that is now the President of the Federation of Block Units the oldest auxiliary of the Urban League of Metropolitan St Louis. The Federation of Block Units is dedicated to helping residents in the St. Louis community improve their neighborhoods. An auxiliary of the Urban League since 1932, the Federation is the oldest self-help grassroots organization in the St. Louis area. The focus on revitalizing and expanding the Federation of Block Units, including St. Clair County, Illinois, continues to be a priority of the current Federation Board of Directors.  Members throughout the Federation constantly encourage voter registration and participation, especially in the local and state elections, which have a greater impact in areas where they live.

I began volunteering with this organization when I was in middle school and learned about what my passions were for my community. During college, I volunteered at the food pantry packing bags of food for families in need. This was important for me to have interactions with these families that appreciated the items as well as the time invested for them to have it daily. To see the look in some mothers eyes meant so much to me. You never know what someone else may be going thru or if they were depending on my hours of packing for their week. I always knew the importance of being of service but this was different. I found interest in what I wanted to do for others and how I would do it. Being able to work in my purpose has been an important piece of who I’ve become as an adult. I find great pride in being able to help others with various concerns that are important to the quality of life. I serve as the Vice Chairwoman of the Civilian Oversight Board of the City of St Louis as the youngest member going into my eighth year. The responsibility of the board is to provide transparency and the accountability of the St. Louis City Police Department while ensuring community confidence. These positions are important to me because it makes the difference of being able to provide solutions while following my calling that’s written on my heart. My mission is to pass the torch to the next generation and equip them with the tools to continue this mission. Too often people can become selfish and forget about the future. My goal is to leave everything better than I found it for someone else to carry the load. I plan to leave a legacy of service, love for my community, wisdom and passion. When your mission is your purpose then you’ll never feel incomplete.

I will close with one of my favorite quote from my forever First Lady Michelle Obama “every day, you have the power to choose our better history—by opening your hearts and minds, by speaking up for what you know is right.”

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Ciera L Simril is the youngest member appointed to her second term on the Civilian Oversight Board by Mayor Lyda Krewson. In this capacity Ciera is 1 of a 7 member board that reviews allegations of police misconduct of the Saint Louis Metropolitan Police Department. She serves as the Vice Chairwoman of the board and represents District One which include Wards 2, 3, 21 & 27. She has been a long time activist for change within the communities that she serves daily. Ciera is a graduate of Soldan International Studies High School, a University of Missouri-St. Louis graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and a Master of Arts in Organizational Development from Webster University. She interned with The St. Louis American and has written several columns on community issues.

Ciera currently works for US Bank in CD/IRA business line, after working in various capacities at the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis and North Newstead Association as a facilitator for the Neighborhood Ownership Model started in 2011 in North Pointe, Walnut Park East/West neighborhoods. Her volunteer activities include giving back to her home community in North St Louis 27th and 2nd Wards feeding families, speaking at meetings, community cleanups, volunteer secretary, assisting residents with city resources and collaborating with neighborhood organizations. Ciera previously served as the Youth Representative of Area F Council Urban League of Metropolitan St Louis for 15 years. After volunteering at the Urban League of Metropolitan St Louis food pantry daily while taking college courses, Ciera found the need to help the community. She has been involved with the Urban League in numerous events during Thanksgiving to feed families as well as delivering food to residents. Her dedication to the Urban League Federation of Block Units has been evident since childhood. During the pandemic she delivered a powerful message in the 89th year of existence. Ciera was the youngest member to give a keynote address to the Federation. It was such an honor to deliver a dynamic message to members and community leaders. After years of involvement she is now the President of the Federation of Block Units and represents over 200 active block units.

She was a program coordinator for St. Louis Connecting and Assisting Neighborhoods in North City which was focused around youth. Ciera’s task was to provide programs for children ages 4-15 years old and adult activities. She managed baseball, martial arts, reading programs, and adult aerobics for families in North City. Ciera also is a Executive Board Member of Young Voices With Action focuses around mentoring young people and providing opportunities.

Ciera was born and raised in North Pointe, she feels it’s her duty to serve the community. Ciera received the Earl E. Howe Community Service Award, Nextdoor Hero Award and the Neighborhood Star, an award from the Circuit Attorney’s Office, for acting as an intermediary between police and neighborhood residents. She also volunteered for Sixth District North Patrol community meetings as secretary and being a liaison with connecting residents to officers.

In 2017 Ciera took her engagement of working for the people to new heights by seeking elected office. She has sought elected office twice in 2017 for alderwoman and trustee of the community college to serve in a larger capacity of people. Both races were unsuccessful however she knew this was just the beginning of what was destined. Ciera is also a member of the Order of Eastern Star Chapter New Hope #56 since 2012.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

Being an effective listener and providing support to ensure completion.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

The first time I sought office with the Federation of Block Units I was discouraged by many people. A lot of the resistance came from the seniors not wanting change. That didn’t deter me from stopping or detouring my propose. After that I’m now the youngest Madam President to serve in this capacity.       

Contact Info:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ciera.simril?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/mwlite/in/ciera-l-simril-ma-818a4164

Image Credits
Ciera Simril