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

Rhonda, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

I am the Founder/CEO of The Simmons Empowerment Foundation Inc. (TSEFI), a nonprofit organization. Just prior to moving to Texas in 2003 with my active-duty husband, I asked God to show me how I could positively impact others. It was through a course at Central Texas College, The Problems with Children and Adolescents, where I first became aware of the alarming statistics concerning Texas teen moms. It was right at that moment that I knew what I had been guided to do and that we had been sent here for a divine purpose. In the past 15+ years, I have made it my mission to empower myself with the necessary tools to make an impact on teen moms. I did this through furthering my own education, becoming a Texas educator and administrator in Title I schools, foster parenting, and partnering with other nonprofit organizations with similar visions. TSEFI is the next step in the vision given to me almost 20 years ago. Our mission is to provide a home for unwed, teen moms while empowering them through pre- and post-natal health education, job skills training, and coaching.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers?

I bring 30 years’ experience in active ministry, as well as nearly 15 years as a state-certified teacher and school principal. It is this unique blend of careers that prompted me to become a Master Certified Professional Coach. Given my background, TSEFI offers transformational empowerment coaching for both pastors’ wives and at-risk youth. I partner with pastors’ wives to navigate the challenges and joys of ministry with an eye towards balance, wellness, and wholeness. Additionally, I empower at-risk youth to overcome obstacles and improve their college and career readiness.

TSEFI has accomplished a lot in the two years it’s been in existence. We publish a weekly podcast called Empowered Heart to Heart for teen moms and those who support them. We also have a weekly radio broadcast on KRGN 98.5 FM. We hosted our EmpowHER! 5k Run/Walk to raise money for our scholarship program, We’ve won a few grants to help us continue serving our community. In fact, we recently hosted our inaugural Community Baby Shower, where we gave away “bundles of joy” (aka newborn care packages) to teen moms-to-be in Central Texas. At this event we were able to partner with several organizations, such as WIC, Hope Pregnancy Center, and Prairie View A&M, to expose the young moms to the resources that are locally available. Finally, TSEFI recently won the “Best in Killeen” Award in the area of associations/organizations.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Even though I founded TSEFI in 2020, I was still working full time as an elementary school assistant principal (AP).  In June 2021, I decided to leave my AP role to assume a remote, managerial position with an educational organization. I knew I wanted to advance within the company but felt impressed to wait until June 2022 before making a move. Interestingly enough, the company went through a reduction in force in June 2022, and my position was eliminated. What would have been a devastating blow on every front turned out to be a blessing. My husband and I decided that I should take a year off to focus on many key areas of my life, but especially TSEFI. It has turned out to be one of the best decisions of my life. At this point, we can’t foresee me going back to a ‘traditional’ job any time soon. TSEFI and those we serve have benefited from me being more available. I have no doubt that I have found my purpose and love what I do.

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

Consistency is everything! I stay in touch with my clients and subscribers by sending weekly emails, posting relevant social media ads and blogs regularly. Above all, anything that we post or email is “branded” with our logo so that we stay top of mind with our clients.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://tsefi.org
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/tsefiorg
• Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/company/tsefiorg