Ruqayyah Simmons serves as the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Black Boys Read Too, a transformative initiative born out of her observation of students struggling to meet reading benchmarks due to limited access to books beyond the classroom. Partnering with Jelicia Jimenez, Ruqayyah initiated creative solutions to ensure books reached students, with a particular focus on fostering a love for reading through Black protagonists, heroes, and role models.

Through strategic placement of bookshelves in barbershops, community spaces, and children's clinic waiting rooms, Ruqayyah has been instrumental in breaking the cycle of illiteracy. She actively engages in local events, ensuring culturally diverse books reach Buffalo's youth, promoting inclusivity and reflecting the diverse experiences of the community.

By day, Ruqayyah serves as the Manager of Curriculum, Instruction, and Development for the Say Yes Little Scholars program, overseeing teaching staff across six sites. Beyond administrative duties, she collaborates with educators to develop innovative teaching strategies, fostering a nurturing and inclusive learning environment. Committed to supporting teachers, Ruqayyah actively provides resources and professional development opportunities, recognizing the impact on the community's future.

Ruqayyah holds a B.A. in Public Communications and an M.S. Ed from Buffalo State, as well as an M.S. in Executive Leadership and Change from Daemen College, specializing in Nonprofit Leadership and Business. A recipient of the Past Changemakers 30 Under 30 Award (2017) and a finalist for the 2021, 2022, and 2023 Excellence in Education Award for 4th-6th Grade Teacher of the Year, Ruqayyah's dedication extends to community service with organizations such as Open Buffalo, The Buffalo Urban League Young Professionals, The Evolving Education Project Podcast, and the Changemakers 30 Under 30 Awards. She is currently a Board member for Kirby's Korner and a founding board member of the Nate Howe Adventure Fund.