or as long as she can remember, Charlotte Simonds has been surrounded by strong, intelligent women who have encouraged her to pursue her goals. Her home life is defined by being one of four daughters, and most of her academic life has been in predominantly female-led educational communities. She also comes from a family which values service to others, and she has travelled worldwide with her father, Robert. Her travels sparked an interest in global initiatives that empower women in developing countries. So, when she transferred to Oaks Christian School as a junior, it was little surprise that she naturally gravitated to the Institute of Global Leadership (IGL) whose mission is “to nurture and grow ethical servant-leaders with a global perspective.” As she crossed the OCS graduation stage on May 27, 2021, she also became the first graduate of the institute which was established in 2019.
“During my course selection with my college counselor, I read the class description of Introduction to Global Leadership, and I just knew I had to take it. I was drawn to it because I have had a longtime interest in different cultures and how people interact,” she shared. “Looking back at the end of my senior year, Mr. Matt Hurdle (IGL director) completely changed the way I thought about life, how to be a leader, and how to contribute and collaborate.” Collaboration was a big take away for her from the IGL and led to her decision to attend Yale this fall, a university with a foundational focus on collaboration. She will major in global affairs, but she already has a head start in that area. Three years ago, she travelled with her father to Saudi Arabia and observed what life is like for Saudi women. “I witnessed the policies and customs in Saudi Arabia limiting basic aspects of women’s daily lives. Although at that time I did not think twice about learning to drive beside my mom, Saudi women did not even have the right to a driver’s license. Observing blatant inequalities sparked what has become one of my passions today: paving a path for
Charlotte Simonds
From Southern California to Saudia Arabia, First Institute of Global Leadership Grad Has Outward Focus
12 OAKS CHRISTIAN MISSION REPORT | 2021
