Simona Grace is a single mom, an outspoken advocate for women’s political empowerment and the founder of Moms in Office. She has extensive experience as a nonprofit professional, political strategist, philanthropy expert and consultant.
In 2018, Simona launched Moms in Office (PAC), where she leads the organization’s efforts to elect more moms to public office, advocates for policies such as paid family leave and works to level the playing field in electoral politics for women. In 2023, she joined Chrysalis as a Development Director of Major Gifts where she oversees Chrysalis’ strategy for cultivation, stewardship, and expanding relationships with a multi-faceted portfolio of individual donors. By developing a long-term pipeline for individual major donor engagement, her efforts contribute to nearly $2 million raised annually in support of programs.
A speaker and frequent commentator on women’s rights, her writing and work have been featured in The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, Ms. Magazine, Supermajority, USA Today, NBC News, Refinery29, Demcast, Jezebel, Scarymommy and LA Parent Magazine.
Simona has been nationally recognized for her advocacy efforts and work as a nonprofit leader. In 2022, she was awarded the Visionary Leader of the Year Award for exceptional entrepreneurial social activism and helping women everywhere get closer to living their dreams. In 2020, she was named California Mother of the Year and served as an ambassador for California mothers during visits with members of Congress.
After immigrating to the US when she turned 18, Simona graduated summa cum laude from UCLA with a bachelor’s degree in Comparative Literature. She lives in Sherman Oaks with her 13-year-old son and loves spending time with her dog, Oliver.