Sheba Simpson-Amsterdam M.Ed
Sheba Simpson-Amsterdam, M.Ed., is the CEO of I’m On Assignment, Inc., an accomplished author, educational leader, and keynote speaker based in New York City. With over 27 years in education, she has held multiple roles within the NYC Department of Education, including Special Education Coordinator, IEP Teacher, and Special Education Liaison. Sheba has also served as Interim Acting Assistant Principal of Safety and Operations, streamlining school operations and ensuring academic programs meet student needs. Her expertise spans special education, teacher development, program coordination, and mentoring young men of color to become and remain effective educators.
In addition to her administrative and teaching accomplishments, Sheba is a passionate advocate for social justice, diversity, and inclusion. She founded I’m On Assignment, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to advocacy, education, financial literacy, and social justice, creating programs that empower students and families to thrive academically, financially, and socially. She initiated innovative student programs, including The Coming Out @ Metro GSA for LGBTQ+ youth and the Social Justice Club, providing safe, affirming spaces for students to engage in civic and community initiatives. Her commitment to mentoring, advocacy, and leadership development has been recognized through fellowships and professional programs such as Leaders in Education and Leaders of Color.
Sheba is also a published author, with her book On Assignment, and So Are You (2022, second edition) reflecting her dedication to guiding and inspiring others. She continues to champion educational equity and support for neurodivergent individuals, balancing her professional work with family life as a mother of three and grandmother of six. Her career is defined by a commitment to empowering underserved communities, fostering leadership in women and men of color, and creating lasting impact through education, mentorship, and advocacy.
• Leaders of Color New York 2022
• The College of New Rochelle - MS
• The College of New Rochelle - BA
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a lifelong commitment to education, advocacy, and empowering others. My career path has been diverse, beginning at the United States Postal Service and evolving into education, where I earned three degrees and a special education license. Over the years, I have taught history, coordinated Special Education and 504 programs, overseen food and nutrition initiatives, managed College Board responsibilities, directed Project Physic, and mentored young men of color aspiring to become educators. I am particularly proud of founding I’m On Assignment, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to advocacy, education, financial literacy, and social justice, which provides students and families with the tools and resources to thrive academically, financially, and socially. Empowering women, especially Black women, is central to my work, and I have actively engaged with leadership and civic programs, including running for city council and being accepted into Emerge, which prepares women to run for office. Writing has also been a key part of my advocacy; my book On Assignment, and So Are You (2022, second edition) supports others in navigating challenges, and I am currently developing a new project focused on supporting neurodivergent individuals in family and school settings. For me, professional fulfillment comes from the tangible impact of helping others succeed and creating opportunities for underserved communities.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Always lead with purpose, embrace every opportunity to learn, and recognize the power of lifting others as you rise. I strive never to be the smartest in the room, because growth comes from learning from others and sharing knowledge and experiences. Surround yourself with diverse environments where you can connect with and support people who may have different backgrounds or experiences than your own this openness fosters both personal and professional growth.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges in education today include systemic inequities, limited resources, and meeting the complex needs of students requiring special education and individualized support. Balancing multiple roles as a teacher, coordinator, mentor, and program director demands careful prioritization and long hours, while advocating for students and families in underserved communities often requires navigating bureaucratic obstacles and driving policy change. As a woman of color in leadership, ensuring that my voice and the voices of those I represent are heard and valued is an ongoing challenge. Yet these hurdles also present significant opportunities: they allow me to foster growth, mentor future leaders, and create systemic change, demonstrating that perseverance and a commitment to equity can positively transform both individual lives and entire communities.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in my work and personal life are tenacity, education, dedication, and resiliency. I believe education is the most powerful tool for personal and community transformation, and every role I have taken, whether teaching, coordinating programs, or mentoring, reflects my commitment to opening doors for students and advocating for equitable opportunities. Social justice and advocacy are central to my work, from founding a nonprofit focused on advocacy and financial literacy to mentoring young men of color, always prioritizing systems where marginalized voices are heard and celebrated. I deeply value diversity and inclusion, recognizing that true progress comes from listening to different perspectives while uniting around shared goals, and I encourage women, especially Black women, to pursue leadership and civic engagement. Family and community are at the heart of my life; I draw strength and inspiration from my three children and six grandchildren, including a set of triplets, which fuels my advocacy and mentorship efforts. Lifelong growth and learning guide me daily, whether through reading, writing, or developing programs to support neurodivergent individuals and underserved communities, and I strive to make a meaningful impact while continuously learning alongside those I serve.