Fun Facts That You May Not Know About Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons
Meet Stamford’s History-Making Leader
STAMFORD — Caroline Simmons, mayor of the City of Stamford, made history in many ways with her 2021 electoral victory. Nearly three years into her first term, that history continues to be made. You may know how Simmons has taken proactive measures to address affordability issues, increase housing supply, and tackle similar priorities, but you may not be as familiar with her personal story.
Keep reading to learn about Simmons and her record of achievements.
Astronautical Ambitions
As a child, Simmons aspired to be an astronaut. In 2015, she told the Stamford Advocate about her early hopes for that career path.
“I actually wanted to be an astronaut, I was obsessed with space and the universe and so I really wanted to be an astronaut. I went to space camp three summers in a row in Alabama and it was the best summers of my life,” said Simmons. “But then I realized I don’t have the talent to be an astronaut, and so the dream was short-lived ... You have to have incredible fitness and math skills, which I didn’t have.”
Varsity Athlete
While she is well-known for her political leadership and civic success, Simmons gained national prominence early on for her athletic skills in college. As a student at Harvard University, the Mayor was a star lacrosse athlete while playing the popular sport’s offensive position known as attack.
Working for Obama
After college, Simmons sought a way to serve her country. That meant working for the Obama Administration in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
According to the City of Stamford, she spent nearly half a decade working as a special assistant in the Office of the Secretary; a policy analyst in the Office of the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia; and a director of special projects in the Counterterrorism Coordinator’s Office.
During her tenure in these positions, Simmons supported DHS’s domestic and international counterterrorism programs as well as the agency’s programs and budget for their homeland security team in Afghanistan.
Former Legislator
Simmons previously served as state representative from 2015 to 2021 for the 144th State House District, which includes Ridgeway-Bulls Head, Turn of River-Newfield, and part of Downtown. At one point, she chaired the Commerce Committee.
Simmons worked with colleagues across the aisle to pass more than a dozen pieces of legislation aimed at helping boost small businesses in Stamford and across Connecticut. She also served as a member of the Higher Education and Employment, and Human Services committees.
Supporting Women Business Owners
While serving in the state legislature, Simmons also worked as a program specialist for the Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC). This nonprofit organization supports the growth of women-led companies across the state through training and other resources.
"During her time as a program specialist with the Women’s Business Development Council, the Mayor was known for her genuine connection with local entrepreneurs and her passion for helping women thrive in business,” WBDC CEO Fran Pastore said. “Now, as Mayor, she’s brought that same energy and collaborative spirit to her team. She has worked hand in hand with community partners, making sure that everyone — especially women-owned businesses — has a seat at the table as we shape a stronger future for our city."
Since her work with WBDC, Simmons’s Administration continues to uplift women business owners with initiatives like seasonal “Shop Local” guides highlighting local companies. Check out the Fall 2024 edition here.
First Woman Mayor
On Wednesday, December 1, 2021, Simmons was formally sworn in by Attorney General William Tong, a Stamford native, to serve as mayor. After beginning her first term, she became the first woman in Stamford history to ever serve in the mayoral position.
In her inauguration remarks, Simmons acknowledged the momentous occasion and said:
“Today is also a very special day for Stamford women. To all the women and girls out there today, this day is for you. To all the women who came before me and broke barriers — the suffragists of the 1920s, my mom’s generation who fought for women’s rights in the 1960s, to the incredible women in our state who have broken barriers, women like Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz, Senator Patricia Billie Miller, and all of the talented women leaders in our city — I’m grateful for the sacrifices that this pioneering group of women made to make this day possible. And I know today, as I take this oath, I’m just picking up the torch that many of you have been carrying for a long time and that young girls watching today will be picking up long after me.”
If she chooses to run again, Simmons will be up for reelection next year.
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