Prior to Simmonds election, she was a lawyer, social justice advocate, and executive director of the Land Titles Initiative.

[2] Simmonds grew up in Cherry Brook, Nova Scotia and graduated from Dalhousie Law School in 2017.

In the document Simmonds referenced that today, fewer instances of overt racism occur and the problems are more systemic, however more work needs to be done.

[10] On February 4, 2022, Simmonds launched her campaign for leader of the Nova Scotia Liberal Party following Iain Rankin's announcement that he would be stepping down.

[17] In the 2023 Preston provincial by-election, the seat was taken by Progressive Conservative Twila Grosse with the Liberal candidate being pushed into third place.