Lauren Simone Blogs

Lauren Simone Publishing House is excited to announce the release of Shades of Excellence: Stories from Scholars of Color. This inspiring anthology features personal narratives and reflections from 32 scholars of color who share their experiences navigating higher education as students, faculty, administrators, and professionals. Addressing themes of resilience, representation, mentorship, equity, and achievement, the book offers a timely exploration of the challenges and successes of scholars of color in academia. Edited by Dr. Kaydian Reid, Dr. Christiana Best, Dr. Melissa-Sue John, and Dr. Vangella Buchanan, Shades of Excellence is both a celebration of diverse voices and a call to create more inclusive educational environments.

After traveling through St. Vincent and the Grenadines, I stayed at three very different hotels: Beachcombers Hotel in St. Vincent, Tetam at Chatham Bay on Union Island, and Bequia Plantation Hotel in Bequia. Each one had its own personality, strengths, flaws, and moments that made me either smile deeply or question my life choices.

A Jamaican wife visits her Vincentian husband’s country for the first time. 

Today, I had the honor of attending the Career Everywhere Celebration at the University of Connecticut after being nominated for the Employer Alumni Career Advocate of the Year Award. While I did not receive the award, I was incredibly grateful to be recognized, reconnect with my graduate alma mater, and celebrate the many individuals committed to supporting students' career development. The event featured remarks from Nathan Fuerst, whose message reinforced the importance of creating opportunities that prepare students for meaningful careers. One of the highlights of the evening was seeing these kind words from Olivia Maffucci on the message board:...

Yesterday was one of those long, full days that leaves you tired in body but deeply energized in spirit. I had the joy of attending a community book fair that reminded me exactly why literacy work and storytelling matter so much. I arrived early to set up and drive safely since it snowed the morning. But once the parents and children arrived, the space felt alive: workshops in motion, authors proudly sharing their work, children wandering through tables of stories, and conversations about books happening everywhere. One of the most inspiring parts of the event was the incredible generosity behind...