By Alisha Green – SF Business Times Nov 13, 2020 Updated Nov 13, 2020, 3:54pm PST
Simon is driving change as a person in power — and as someone holding power accountable
The drive behind Lateefah Simon’s work is best summed up in her own words: “I’ve always attached myself to systems that have deeply affected me,” she said. That vision has shaped a career centered on advocating for reforms in the criminal justice system, education, public transportation and beyond. In addition to serving as president of the Akonadi Foundation, an Oakland-based racial justice organization, Simon was elected in 2016 to represent District 7 on the BART board of directors and recently won reelection to the board. She is now president of the BART board as it takes on an unprecedented situation posed by Covid. Simon shared how her life experiences have guided her lifelong work as a leader in the racial justice movement.
