Earlier this year, the University of Georgia announced the 2023 40 Under 40 honorees. The winners include 9 graduates with SPIA degrees. 40 Under 40 celebrates young alumni leading the pack in their industries and communities. Learn more about our Honoree Simone Moonsammy, Owner of Athena Health & Consulting Group.

What was your favorite SPIA class or favorite SPIA professor?
Dr. Ieda Wiarda (Latin American systems) she has been a mentor and true friend even to this day.

What was your favorite study spot as a student?
At my home, loved to be done and come home and settle in to get work done.

What obscure thing are you talented at?
Upholstery

What is one weird fact or tidbit that you still remember from school?
We learned about bias resources, specifically news but it seemed so irrelevant then but so relevant now more than ever.

What one superpower would you give to everyone in the world? How would the world change?
To be considerate, this would really help form a community of support, lessening the cognitive load that drain us so we can truly be free to engage with each other in a more humanitarian way.

Where’s the next place on your travel bucket list and why?
It’s always on my list and yet to happen…Paris, what’s not to love, fashion, perfumes, history, beautiful, romantic, food and champagne!

If you could have dinner with one famous person, living or dead, who would it be? Why?
Gandhi, I really do try to live by “..be the change you want to see…” in all areas of my life and would love to just listen to his experiences and how he persevered despite the challenges so gracefully and selflessly.

What is one piece of advice you have for current SPIA students?
It’s a season, it will be over soon, ask for help and take your seat at the table because no one will just give it you and learn to be comfortable in it.