Veanda Martin Simmons

Veanda Martin Simmons is an urban planning leader with over two decades of experience working in the urban planning field on housing and community development initiatives in the non-profit, private, and government sectors.

Veanda is a black belt in karate and has provided self-defense workshops focused on awareness, prevention, and empowering women and girls, in particular, to build positive self-images and self-confidence.  She has also served as a mentor and workshop facilitator with youth development organizations for over 25 years in Harlem, New York. Some of her passions and hobbies include African dance, reading, listening to music, engaging in sports, mentoring youth, and spending time with family and loved ones.

Veanda has an M.S. in Urban Planning from Columbia University with a focus on Housing Development and a B.S. in Business Management with a minor in Construction Management from North Carolina A&T State University.