Founder and Executive of the Southampton African American Museum

Brenda Simmons was born and raised in the Village of Southampton. Graduated from Southampton High School in 1973. During her senior year, she was selected to attend a newly established All Day Career Base Initiative at Vocational School at BOCES in Riverhead and enrolled in the Data Processing class. Upon successfully completing the course was later asked to return to teach the Adult Education Data Entry course. In 1974 Brenda continued her education completing an Entrepreneurial Assistance Program/with Distinction from Suffolk County Community College in their Technicenter. In 1975 received her Associate's Degree in Computer Information Systems from Suffolk County Community College. In 2005 Brenda earned her bachelor's degree in Community and Human Services, with a concentration in Family Advocacy from SUNY Empire State University, receiving the Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence. From 1974 to 1999 Brenda was employed by the County of Suffolk in various departments working her way up to being supervisor in the Data Processing Department in Riverhead. Brenda worked for the first half of her business career in the computer field. In 1999 to 2000 she was hired by Southampton College located in Southampton NY as a Counselor for the Higher Educational Opportunity Program (HEOP) mentoring inner city teens. 2000-2005 she was hired by a nonprofit organization called Economic Opportunity Council ( EOC) of Suffolk, Patchogue NY as a Director/ Family Development Worker, working/mentoring young mothers and their children. During this time she obtained her Family Development Credentials from Cornell University. Thereafter in 2005 she was sort out and for 11 years worked as the Assistant to the Mayor and Recording Secretary for Mayor Mark Epley in the Village of Southampton NY. 2005 to present Founder and Executive Director of the Southampton African American Museum (SAAM)in Southampton located at 245 North Sea Rd. Other accomplishments include Life Coach-LIFE (Living In Full Empowerment) hired/ per diem by the Bridgehampton Day Care Center-Counseling single moms. While working with EOC trained and obtained a DOULA Certificate to assist young pregnant moms. Volunteered for over 15 years Mentoring at the Riverhead Correctional Facility in Riverhead NY through Safe Harbor Mentoring. Lastly the TV Producer of VOW-Voices of Wisdom at LTV located in Wainscott NY. The show is base on “ Real-Lationships”. Brenda Simmons was recognized and received several awards. 2003 Woman of Distinction Award-Black Million Woman-Nassau County. 2011-Woman of Distinction Award-Suffolk County 2nd District-Legislation Jay Schneiderman. 2013-Distinguish Student of Excellence Graduate Award-SUNY Empire State College. 2022-recently awarded the prestigious “Anne Ackerson Innovation in Leadership Award” for the Museum Association of New York’s MANY 2022 Award of Merit and Organizational Excellence Award from Preservation Long Island. Brenda Simmons has dedicated most of her life with a sincere compassion to the empowerment of others, emotionally physically and intellectually. Her focus have targeted young teens, single moms, abused women and the heart of Community. More so with a sincere dedication and determination to “Tell Our Story”!!! Presently ( 2015-)“ Re-Journeying” ( retired) and enjoys spending her winters in the Sunshine City of the Caribbean/St Maarten/St Martin)