Angela Simmonds

Angela proudly identifies as an eighth-generation African Nova Scotian, whose family heritage traces through the historic Black communities of Cherry Brook and East Preston. She currently resides in North Preston with her husband and life partner Dean of over 30 years. She is the proud mother of three Antonio, Angelina, and Adre, and “little Nanny” to Amari and Adonis.

Angela inspires courageous leadership and guides others in realizing their potential.

She is an active community mobilizer with 20 years of career experience across law, socio-economic development, policy, community engagement, and education. As the Founder and CEO of family business, A TEAM Consulting, Angela partners with organizations to transform workplace cultures, mindsets, and systems.

Angela is currently the Interim Director of Legal Services at the African Nova Scotian Justice Institute, after being the former MLA for Preston and the first African Nova Scotian Deputy Speaker of the Nova Scotia Legislature. As MLA and Deputy Speaker, she advanced inequities within government policies and groundbreaking legislation like Bill 96 Dismantling Racism and Hate.

Angela has combined her lived experience, education, and law to consult, advise, and train organizations and non for profits to address racism, genderism, sexism, and barriers impacting individuals most vulnerable to structural, systemic inequalities. Prior to becoming an MLA, Angela served as Executive Director of Strategic Initiatives and Land Titles Initiative in the Office of Equity and Anti-Racism, which received national attention with support from the United Nations Working Group.

Angela has also worked as the Manager of Equity and Access to Justice for the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society, and has also been recognized as one of the top 100 most accomplished Black women in Canada.

Angela believes in life lifelong learning. When you are learning, you influence opportunities for teaching, and teaching transforms lives.