We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Alexa Simeone a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Alexa, thank you for being such a positive, uplifting person. We’ve noticed that so many of the successful folks we’ve had the good fortune of connecting with have high levels of optimism and so we’d love to hear about your optimism and where you think it comes from.
When you look around and count the many ways you are blessed, you begin to learn that optimism grows and is nourished. Those blessings give you optimism, and family, friends, my students and my son most of all keeps it well alive in my heart. I believe that there is always a river of optimism that flows within us, it’s simply a matter of getting on the raft, getting past whatever rough waters and going down a steady stream.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m a creative strategist, ocean advocate, and environmental educator committed to fostering equitable science learning through the transformative power of art for environmental awareness. Renowned for converting a utility cart into a pop-up art lab, I am a National Geographic-certified educator and the founder of Lele Art Lab, an arts-based environmental organization featuring a mobile, push-powered art lab serving K-12 students in South Florida.
My mission is to unite the practices of art and science to redefine how youth engage with the environment. Passionate about transforming ocean trash into public art and exploring circular design concepts, I focus on emphasizing reusable structures, recycled materials, and sustainable disassembly. I’ve received numerous awards and collaborate with various government organizations on environmental education programs, earning endorsements from diverse educational spaces for empowering youth-led initiatives that promote pro-ecological behavior.
Dedicated to bringing ocean exploration to under-resourced youth in frontline coastal communities, I created The Sea Lab, an after-school program offering a unique blend of Art, STEM Mentorship, ocean exploration, and creative maker labs, sponsored by The Rotary Club of Deerfield Beach. Utilizing art and visual storytelling as tools to convey scientific concepts, youth build artist portfolios and create narratives that captivate audiences with scientific accuracy and artistic depth.
We would greatly appreciate the community’s support for our capstone project, “Printed Oceans: A quilted narrative of marine debris” set to be featured on World Ocean Day, June 8th, at the City of Deerfield Beach.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Curiosity and Openness to Learning: Curiosity has been essential in driving my exploration of diverse topics and avenues of knowledge. Being open to learning from various sources, experiences, and perspectives has enriched my understanding and shaped my growth. Advice: Cultivate your curiosity by asking questions, seeking out new experiences, and embracing opportunities for learning. Stay open-minded and be willing to explore unfamiliar territories.
Adaptability and Resilience: In a rapidly changing world, adaptability and resilience have been crucial for navigating challenges, setbacks, and unexpected circumstances. Being able to pivot, adjust, and persevere in the face of adversity has been key to overcoming obstacles and achieving goals.
Advice: Foster your adaptability by embracing change and uncertainty as opportunities for growth. Develop resilience by cultivating a positive mindset, building strong support networks, and practicing self-care to manage stress and maintain well-being.
Passion and Purpose: Passion fuels motivation, drives commitment, and sustains enthusiasm for pursuing goals and making a meaningful impact. Having a sense of purpose, a clear vision of what you aspire to achieve, and a deep connection to your values and interests can provide direction and inspiration in your journey.
Advice: Follow your passions and align your pursuits with your values and aspirations. Take time to reflect on what matters most to you and how you can contribute positively to the world. Stay connected to your purpose and let it guide your decisions and actions.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
One of the most impactful things my parents, especially my mother, did for me was instilling a strong sense of values, determination and curiosity. They led by example, emphasizing the importance of hard work in everything we did. Their unwavering support, guidance, and encouragement empowered me to embrace challenges, pursue my passions, and simply do work that I love. Their love, guidance, and belief in me have been foundational in shaping who I am. I’m deeply grateful for their influence on my journey and wish to do the same for my son.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sealabscience.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leleartlab/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leleartlab
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexa-simeone/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/leleartlab
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@leleartlab
