| Alexis Simmons is a graduate of Washburn University (Go Bods!) where she served as student body president and majored in political science. After graduating from Washburn, she obtained a master's degree in American politics and government from American University's School of Public Affairs in Washington, D.C.
While in D.C., Alexis helped train women to run for office. Additionally, Alexis joined a DEI consulting firm and with a small team advised Fortune 500 companies on creation and implementation of forward-thinking, socially responsible policies.
After moving back to Topeka, Alexis worked for Progressive Turnout Project - the largest Democratic get out the vote organization in the U.S. - in the 2020 election. Following the election, she returned to the Kansas Legislature.
Former House Minority Leader Tom Sawyer hired Alexis in 2021 and she continues serving in her role as the Communications Director under Leader Vic Miller and the Kansas House Democrats.
As a passionate advocate for abortion access and women's reproductive rights, she planned the first protest in Kansas after the overturning of Roe v. Wade. She also worked as a freelance political consultant in the August 2022 primary election, helping women's groups across the state get out the vote.
While at Washburn, she interned for former Senate Minority Leader Anthony Hensley and also worked as an intern for Little Government Relations, monitoring legislation focused on education, behavioral health, and criminal justice reform. Alexis was also an office assistant in the Office of the Kansas Attorney General.
In 2021, EMILY's List selected Alexis in a nationwide search to train to run for office as an inaugural member of their Ignite Change fellowship.
Alexis is an adjunct professor in the political science department at Washburn, a member of the League of Women Voters-Shawnee County, a member of the Capital Area Democratic Women's club, a graduate of the 2021-2022 Kansas Chamber of Commerce's Emerging Leaders program, Democratic precinct committeewoman, and National Organization of Women (NOW) honoree.
Alexis has served as a commissioner on the City of Topeka's Human Relations Commission since July 2022, focusing on racial equity and justice causes. |