Ymani Simmons is mother of a grown daughter, an advocate for nonviolence and Human Rights, an author, event producer and resides in the beautiful mountains of western North Carolina, near Asheville.
Ymani follows the teachings and traditions of her Native American ancestors by walking a spiritual path of respect and honor for all living beings. Part of that tradition is the belief that we are all members of the same human family and all members of the circle of life. This belief translates into responsibility and accountability.
Her involvement in the peace movement led her to the Fellowship of Reconciliation, the oldest multi-faith peace organization in the US and in March of 2007, she participated as a civilian diplomat with FOR's third delegation to the Islamic Republic of Iran. When asked why she made the trip, her response is always the same: “I went to meet my relatives.”
Ymani is a trained facilitator for "Creating A Culture of Peace", a nonprofit organization that offers training based on nonviolence principles, analysis of social change and community building.
She also serves as a member of the National Board of Directors.
In 2010, Ms. Simmons became an Advisory Member for the Kashmir Center for Peace and Reconciliation, a Kashmir youth organization whose focus is nonviolence, peacemaking and conflict mediation to support personal and community development. She also serves as International Consultant for the new Kashmiri youth magazine, Youth Talks, which makes its debut in 2011.
Ymani published her first book in 2009, Are You Listening? ancient wisdom for the spiritual quest, which provides a powerful template for the seeker of spiritual transformation. Written from a perspective of balance and harmony with the earth, it shares an experiential account of challenges encountered on life’s journey and is designed to support and encourage an ancient way of “being” in the world. It is available through her website www.ymanisimmons.com
