Draft:Marci Marie Simmons

Marci Marie Simmons born December 28, 1978 is an American restorative justice advocate, public speaker, writer, and social media influencer with over 280,000 followers on TikTok. She is the Director of Community Engagement at Lioness: Justice Impacted Women’s Alliance (Lioness JIWA), where she leads initiatives to elevate the voices of justice-impacted women and promote systemic change. Simmons also co-hosts the On The Recyard: Women’s Prison Podcast, where she shares firsthand insights and amplifies the experiences of incarcerated and formerly incarcerated women. Known for her dynamic storytelling and commitment to advocacy, Simmons draws on her lived experience as a formerly incarcerated woman to push for reforms in the criminal legal system.

Early Life and Incarceration

Simmons spent 10 years incarcerated in Texas, an experience that profoundly shaped her perspective on systemic inequities. During this time, she developed a deep understanding of the challenges faced by incarcerated women, particularly regarding access to mental health care, recovery resources, and community support. Her experiences inspired her to create meaningful change, centering her work on uplifting the voices and stories of others who have been justice-impacted.

While incarcerated, Simmons met her wife, Brittany, and the two have built a life of recovery and advocacy together. Their shared journey reflects their commitment to breaking cycles of generational incarceration and addiction, as well as their belief in the power of redemption and community.

Career and Advocacy

As Director of Community Engagement for Lioness JIWA, Simmons focuses on organizing grassroots campaigns, fostering community partnerships, and amplifying the voices of those most impacted by the justice system. She has spearheaded collaborations with organizations like Texas A&M University, the NAACP, and the Texas After Violence Project.

Simmons co-hosts On The Recyard: Women’s Prison Podcast alongside her colleague Toonchi. The podcast dives into the lived experiences of incarcerated women, explores systemic issues within the prison system, and highlights stories of resilience and advocacy.

Simmons is also a skilled storyteller, using platforms like TikTok and Instagram to educate the public about mass incarceration and advocate for policy change. Her social media presence has become a powerful tool for activism, connecting her with a wide audience and fostering conversations about restorative justice.

Work with Represent Justice

In 2024, Simmons became a Represent Justice Ambassador, furthering her advocacy for criminal justice reform. Represent Justice is a nonprofit organization that works to change the narrative around justice reform through media, education, and advocacy. As an ambassador, Simmons has contributed her lived experiences to the broader conversation on reform, using her platform to highlight the systemic issues that affect justice-involved individuals and their families. She has worked on campaigns and initiatives designed to build awareness and push for meaningful policy changes.

Social Media Influence

Simmons’ TikTok page, where she has amassed over 280,000 followers, serves as a hub for education and advocacy. Through engaging videos, she shares her lived experiences, challenges stereotypes about incarcerated individuals, and highlights the need for systemic reforms.

Media Appearances and Public Speaking

Simmons’ work has been featured in Inside Edition, The New York Times, PBS NewsHour, Vice News, and NPR. She has delivered keynote addresses at institutions like NYU, Texas A&M University, and various criminal justice reform conferences. Her public speaking engagements focus on the intersection of gender, incarceration, and advocacy, emphasizing the need for systemic transformation.