Meet Hailey Simmonds | Student

We had the good fortune of connecting with Hailey Simmonds and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Hailey, how do you think about risk?
Growing up, I was always afraid to take risks because I believed that my abilities were fixed and I had to present myself in a certain way. It wasn’t until I embraced a growth mindset and recognized that we are all capable of growth that I began to see challenges differently. I started viewing risk as an invisible barrier with a great reward on the other side. You can see and maybe even feel the reward, but you have to decide if it’s worth the effort to overcome that barrier.
At first, I thought creating a nonprofit involved scaling this enormous obstacle, but I could see the vision and potential impact of my nonprofit on the other side. To my surprise, the barrier wasn’t as insurmountable as I had imagined. The experience taught me that risk is often what stands between you and your goals. By taking risks, I discovered new capabilities within myself and achieved things I once thought were impossible.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a recent graduate of Arizona State University, a proud Sun Devil, currently studying for the MCAT while juggling work and various hobbies (or at least trying to). I am most proud of founding Compassion for Her and am most excited about my future in medical school.

My journey hasn’t been easy. I faced personal loss and struggled to adapt to school during the lockdown, beginning my college career with poor grades and crippling self-doubt. It took me a couple of years to get to a place where I could start pursuing my passions. There were countless moments when I wanted to give up, but I didn’t, and that perseverance made all the difference.

I recently graduated from ASU summa cum laude, and founded a women in science club, all while working two jobs and volunteering. My story is a testament to the idea that it’s never too late to change and that you should never, never give up on yourself.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
What a fantastic question for such an incredible city! For a fun Friday evening, I always make a stop in downtown Phoenix. Start by dining at Harumi Sushi and indulging in their “Oh-My-God” roll. Afterward, wander along Roosevelt Street, soak in the vibrant atmosphere, and explore the rows of food trucks for authentic tamales. I might even treat myself to some hand-crafted jewelry from one of the local vendors. Downtown Phoenix is full of interesting places with diverse atmospheres, like Ziggy’s, Pigtails, and Rough Rider.

On Saturday mornings, Scottsdale Run Club is the place to be to start your day off right, followed by a refreshing lemonade at the Old Town Farmer’s Market. Brunch at Eggstasy is always enjoyable for some good coffee and chilaquiles. To cure the afternoon boredom, the Plant Stand is a fun place to see some exotic greenery. Walking around Midtown, especially the Melrose area, and visiting the Phoenix Art Museum are also great activities. Thrifting in downtown Mesa always ends with me buying another unique piece for my wardrobe from Nash Vintage or Call it New, Call it Antique.

Phoenix is full of amazing restaurants. If I’m craving Italian food, North Italia in Scottsdale Quarter has the best pizza in town, and their short rib is spectacular. The adjacent Gelato Spot is perfect for ending the night on a sweet note. For delicious tacos, Taco Boys is my go-to. And for the best bagels, I make the commute to Gilbert, where they ensure the water tastes just like it does in the Big Apple, providing the best bagels around. While this city has plenty of fun things to do, it is the people here that truly make it memorable.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to my family: my mom, dad, sister Riley, and brother Cameron. During a troubled time in my life, they helped me see the light. I also want to thank Keon and Courtney for running Compassion for Her with me. Keon has an incredible ability to befriend anyone he meets, and Courtney, with her kind soul, brightens the lives of those struggling on the streets. Their dedication and compassion are the heart of our mission.

Website: https://www.compassion4her.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/compassionforher/

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@compassionforher?si=oqF3yd3jmK-M2ULf