Portia Simmons was born and raised in Newark, NJ, and has dedicated much of her life to serving her community and advocating for positive change. After serving four years in active duty in the military, Portia continued her commitment to service by supporting her husband who was active military for an additional ten years. She holds degrees in both Human Services and Addiction Counseling, which reflect her passion for helping others.
In the late 1990s, Portia moved to Camden County. She later purchased her home in the Waterfront South neighborhood of Camden. Her active involvement in the community includes serving as the Board Chair for the Center for Environmental Transformation, board member of Heart of Camden, and volunteering with the Free Book Project. Additionally, she contributes her time to the planning committee for the monthly Family Café at Urban Promise.
In 2022, Portia founded and began developing a community pollinator garden in Waterfront South, aiming to promote awareness and appreciation for green spaces in urban communities. Her dedication to advocacy and education extends to her recent achievement as a published author of a children’s book focused on the importance of green spaces.
Through her various roles and initiatives, Portia Simmons exemplifies a commitment to community engagement, environmental stewardship, and the empowerment of her neighbors.
