May 2026 Honoree

Simone Ragland, LMSW
CEO of Bits and Bytes STEM Foundation

As CEO of Bits and Bytes STEM Foundation Simone is passionate about STEM and strives to make a lasting and positive difference. The Bits and Bytes STEM Foundation provides equitable access to high-quality STEM learning for underserved youth – especially girls, non-binary youth, and youth of color – by addressing racial and gender disparities and partnering with schools and community organizations to create meaningful opportunities.

Simone is CEO of Bits and Bytes STEM Foundation, an adjunct assistant professor at ECC, and co-founder/CEO of Families Aimed Toward Excellence (FATE). She also works with the Buffalo Urban League as a licensed master social worker. She was formerly the executive director of WNY STEM Hub.

She serves on the board of directors for NYS Network for Youth Success as well as Locust Street Art. Simone has a Master of Social Work (LMSW) from UB and a Bachelor’s of Science from SUNY Empire State College.