Haynes began her journey at the University of Houston-Victoria as a criminal justice major, drawn by the study of legal systems and social structures. But her education quickly became more than theoretical once she saw firsthand the realities in her own community, the Baytown native said.

When Simone Haynes enrolled at the University of Houston-Victoria, she had a full load on her hands. Juggling a full-time job, motherhood and her academic aspirations – not only was it a difficult road, but it proved to be transformative.

“It taught me resilience, time management and the value of hard work,” Haynes said. “UHV not only provided me with a solid understanding of social issues but also helped me develop critical skills that have been invaluable in my career.”

Haynes began her journey at UHV as a criminal justice major, drawn by the study of legal systems and social structures, she said. But her education quickly became more than theoretical once she saw firsthand the realities in her own community, the Baytown native said.

“Through the struggles of close friends and relatives, I saw how systemic issues like poverty, lack of access to mental health care and racial inequities can trap individuals in cycles of trauma and disadvantage,” Haynes said. “These personal experiences fueled my desire to go beyond studying these issues and pursue a career where I could partner with individuals to support meaningful, lasting change.”

Those personal connections Haynes made in her community, along with her academic insights fueled a growing desire to go out and make a change. The more she learned, the more she felt pulled toward a field that would allow her to directly support individuals facing those very challenges.

Keith Akins

"I am incredibly proud of Simone and all she has accomplished," said Keith Akins, UHV associate professor of criminal justice. "She has always demonstrated a deep commitment to lifting others up around her and has shown a strong sense of purpose in her work. I have no doubt she will make a meaningful difference in the lives of the people she serves."

Her passion for social work sparked when she saw the opportunity to empower people from all walks of life and advocate for systemic change at the same time, she said. In 2023, Haynes graduated from UHV with her Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice.

“At UHV, the supportive faculty and the program’s flexibility allowed me to think critically about the intersections of justice, rehabilitation, mental health and overall well-being,” Haynes said. “I began to ask myself: How can we intervene earlier to provide the support individuals need, whether through mental health services, community resources, or other guidance, before their challenges escalate?”

The answer to those questions helped steer Haynes toward a Master of Social Work degree, a natural next step in her journey, she said. She then went on to the University of Texas at Arlington to begin her graduate program.

Her graduate studies have given her hands-on experience through her practicum, where she has worked with individuals facing a variety of challenges including trauma, substance abuse and mental health disorders. Some of the people she has worked with are on probation or parole; others are coping with homelessness or are going through big challenges in their lives.

“I’ve seen the mental and emotional toll that different people go through as far as family separation, stigma and lack of access to care,” Haynes said. “Those aren’t just headlines to me, they’re real-life experiences. So being able to support those individuals in those types of situations means the world to me because it’s vital to have someone who listens without judgement.”

As a Black Caribbean-American, Haynes said she views her identity as a powerful lens for understanding systemic barriers and human resilience. Her approach to social work centers on cultural humility, creating a safe space where individuals can feel truly seen and respected.

She credits her time at UHV for laying the foundation for her current research that she is pursuing in graduate school. Haynes’ research focuses on the mental health effects of family separation due to deportation and incarceration. She is also passionate about workplace mental health, particularly around supporting women facing burnout or isolation, particularly those who are juggling caregiving and careers.

“During my time at UHV studying criminal justice, I realized that my passion wasn’t really in enforcement,” Haynes said. “It was in healing. I wanted to be a part of people’s recovery, their transformation, and not just how they navigate systems. Social work offered me that path because it was rooted in empathy, dignity and also systemic change.”

Haynes is now on track to graduate from UTA in summer 2025. She was on track to graduate with a 4.0 GPA, but after losing her mother in early 2024, she now continues forward and holds a 3.9 GPA, she said. The experience of losing her mother was a defining moment and pushed her harder toward her goal, Haynes said. In the future, she plans to pursue a clinical social work licensure while still continuing her research.

“Looking back, UHV was the perfect place to begin my journey.” Haynes said. “I’m incredibly grateful for the knowledge and skills I gained there, and I’m excited about where my journey is headed. My goal is to work with individuals from all backgrounds to help them heal, grow and thrive. As a Black Caribbean-American, this mission is deeply personal to me, and I am dedicated to making a lasting impact on the lives of those I support.”