APRIL SIMPKINS
CCSB EXCLUSIVE SPEAKER
Mental Health Advocate & Chief HR Officer
KEYNOTE VIDEOS
KEYNOTE FEE:

$10,001 - $15,000

Keynote fee falls within this range. For exact fee, please contact us.
TRAVELS FROM:

South Carolina

Request Availability for April Simpkins

Culture
Diversity
Healthcare
Inspiration
Mental Health
Motivation
Overcoming Adversity
Talent/Hiring/Staff Retention

"April, your presentation was very inspiring and insightful. Your flow and delivery of the content was top class."

Chief Business Officer
Technology Company

"You always do such a great job connecting with the audience when you speak, and you brought up some great points for companies to consider!"

President
Consulting Firm
ABOUT APRIL SIMPKINS

April Simpkins is a Workplace Strategist, Mental Health Advocate, National Speaker, New York Times Best Selling Author, a seasoned HR Executive with 30 years of experience.

Previously as a senior HR consultant, she has assisted over 1,000 businesses in optimizing their human capital. April is also a powerhouse in the realm of mental health advocacy, and with relentless determination, she has tirelessly championed the cause and became a more visible advocate following the passing of her beloved daughter, Miss USA 2019, Cheslie Kryst who battled depression for many years. April, an ambassador for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), is committed to breaking the stigma of mental illness and promoting mental wellness in the workplace. April is certified in both Mental Health First Aid and Emotional CPR (eCPR).

Published in April 2024, the deeply moving memoir, By The Time You Read This The Space Between Cheslie’s Smile and Mental Illness, is coauthored by Cheslie Kryst and April Simpkins. Already a New York Times Best Selling book, it is a powerful testament to resilience, courage and the human spirit. She has shared Cheslie’s story emphasizing the importance of mental health with audiences nationwide and on national programs. Her unwavering commitment and relentless drive serve as a testament to her unwavering dedication to the cause.

Recognized for her expertise, April advises leaders nationwide. April leaves the stage with attendees ready to lead boldly, adapt fearlessly, and inspire greatness in themselves and those they lead.

APRIL SIMPKINS PROGRAMS & TOPICS

Prioritize Mental Health

April illuminates the pivotal role culture plays in organizational success. She emphasizes that culture isn’t merely defined by policies or procedures but is established by the actions and behaviors of senior leadership.

Through her engaging and informative keynote, April empowers leaders to cultivate a culture that inspires, motivates, and retains top talent. By recognizing the significance of their influence, leaders can harness the power of culture to create environments where employees thrive, driving productivity and propelling the organization towards its goals.

In April’s presentations, culture isn’t just a byproduct of organizational dynamics—it’s the cornerstone of a thriving workplace ecosystem.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

April’s power-packed presentations on Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) are catalysts for profound cultural transformation within organizations. With unwavering passion and unparalleled expertise, April navigates the complexities of DEI, illuminating the path towards a more inclusive and equitable workplace.

Her compelling insights and actionable strategies not only promote diversity but also foster a culture where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their best. April’s presentations are game-changers for organizations aspiring to lead their industries, as they recognize that embracing DEI isn’t just a moral imperative—it’s a strategic advantage that drives innovation, enhances employee engagement, and ultimately propels business success to new heights.

April will show you that DEI is more than just a buzzword; it’s a cornerstone of organizational excellence and a beacon of progress for a brighter, more inclusive future.

Leadership

April’s presentations on leadership leave audiences profoundly inspired. With her keen insight and thought-provoking perspective, April masterfully explores the impact of leadership on organizational culture, employee engagement, and retention.

Drawing from more than thirty years of experience and her wealth of knowledge, April imparts invaluable lessons on the importance of visionary leadership, fostering a culture of trust, and navigating turbulent waters with grace and resilience.

Her captivating storytelling and razor-sharp analysis challenge conventional thinking, compelling listeners to reassess their approach to leadership and embrace the transformative power of authentic, compassionate leadership. April leaves the stage with attendees ready to lead boldly, adapt fearlessly, and inspire greatness in themselves and those they lead.

Culture Is Everything

April illuminates the pivotal role culture plays in organizational success. She emphasizes that culture isn’t merely defined by policies or procedures but is established by the actions and behaviors of senior leadership.

Through her engaging and informative keynote, April empowers leaders to cultivate a culture that inspires, motivates, and retains top talent. By recognizing the significance of their influence, leaders can harness the power of culture to create environments where employees thrive, driving productivity and propelling the organization towards its goals.

In April’s presentations, culture isn’t just a byproduct of organizational dynamics—it’s the cornerstone of a thriving workplace ecosystem.

Request Availability for April Simpkins

APRIL SIMPKINS BOOKS
By the Time You Read This: The Space between Cheslie's Smile and Mental Illness—Her Story in Her Own Words
By the Time You Read This: The Space between Cheslie’s Smile and Mental Illness—Her Story in Her Own Words

About the Book

By the Time You Read This: The Space Between Cheslie’s Smile and Mental Illness is a poignant memoir co-authored by former Miss USA Cheslie Kryst and her mother, April Simpkins. The book offers an intimate look into Cheslie’s life, chronicling her journey from a successful attorney and pageant queen to an entertainment journalist, while simultaneously battling persistent depression.

Through Cheslie’s own writings, readers gain insight into her personal struggles, including feelings of unworthiness and the immense pressure to maintain perfection. Following Cheslie’s tragic death by suicide in January 2022, April Simpkins fulfills her daughter’s wish by completing and publishing the memoir.

In her contributions, April shares her perspective on Cheslie’s mental health challenges and the profound impact of her loss. The book aims to shed light on the often-unseen aspects of mental illness, emphasizing the importance of open conversations and support for those affected.

Proceeds from the memoir are dedicated to the Cheslie C. Kryst Foundation, supporting mental health programs for youth and young adults.

APRIL SIMPKINS
CCSB EXCLUSIVE SPEAKER
Mental Health Advocate & Chief HR Officer
TRAVELS FROM:

South Carolina
KEYNOTE FEE:

$10,001 - $15,000

Keynote fee falls within this range. For exact fee, please contact us.
KEYNOTE VIDEOS
"April, your presentation was very inspiring and insightful. Your flow and delivery of the content was top class."
Chief Business Officer

Technology Company

"You always do such a great job connecting with the audience when you speak, and you brought up some great points for companies to consider!"
President

Consulting Firm

ABOUT APRIL SIMPKINS

April Simpkins is a Workplace Strategist, Mental Health Advocate, National Speaker, New York Times Best Selling Author, a seasoned HR Executive with 30 years of experience.

Previously as a senior HR consultant, she has assisted over 1,000 businesses in optimizing their human capital. April is also a powerhouse in the realm of mental health advocacy, and with relentless determination, she has tirelessly championed the cause and became a more visible advocate following the passing of her beloved daughter, Miss USA 2019, Cheslie Kryst who battled depression for many years. April, an ambassador for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), is committed to breaking the stigma of mental illness and promoting mental wellness in the workplace. April is certified in both Mental Health First Aid and Emotional CPR (eCPR).

Published in April 2024, the deeply moving memoir, By The Time You Read This The Space Between Cheslie’s Smile and Mental Illness, is coauthored by Cheslie Kryst and April Simpkins. Already a New York Times Best Selling book, it is a powerful testament to resilience, courage and the human spirit. She has shared Cheslie’s story emphasizing the importance of mental health with audiences nationwide and on national programs. Her unwavering commitment and relentless drive serve as a testament to her unwavering dedication to the cause.

Recognized for her expertise, April advises leaders nationwide. April leaves the stage with attendees ready to lead boldly, adapt fearlessly, and inspire greatness in themselves and those they lead.

APRIL SIMPKINS PROGRAMS & TOPICS
Prioritize Mental Health
April illuminates the pivotal role culture plays in organizational success. She emphasizes that culture isn't merely defined by policies or procedures but is established by the actions and behaviors of senior leadership. Through her engaging and informative keynote, April empowers leaders to cultivate a culture that inspires, motivates, and retains top talent. By recognizing the significance of their influence, leaders can harness the power of culture to create environments where employees thrive, driving productivity and propelling the organization towards its goals. In April's presentations, culture isn't just a byproduct of organizational dynamics—it's the cornerstone of a thriving workplace ecosystem.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
April's power-packed presentations on Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) are catalysts for profound cultural transformation within organizations. With unwavering passion and unparalleled expertise, April navigates the complexities of DEI, illuminating the path towards a more inclusive and equitable workplace. Her compelling insights and actionable strategies not only promote diversity but also foster a culture where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their best. April's presentations are game-changers for organizations aspiring to lead their industries, as they recognize that embracing DEI isn't just a moral imperative—it's a strategic advantage that drives innovation, enhances employee engagement, and ultimately propels business success to new heights. April will show you that DEI is more than just a buzzword; it's a cornerstone of organizational excellence and a beacon of progress for a brighter, more inclusive future.
Leadership
April's presentations on leadership leave audiences profoundly inspired. With her keen insight and thought-provoking perspective, April masterfully explores the impact of leadership on organizational culture, employee engagement, and retention. Drawing from more than thirty years of experience and her wealth of knowledge, April imparts invaluable lessons on the importance of visionary leadership, fostering a culture of trust, and navigating turbulent waters with grace and resilience. Her captivating storytelling and razor-sharp analysis challenge conventional thinking, compelling listeners to reassess their approach to leadership and embrace the transformative power of authentic, compassionate leadership. April leaves the stage with attendees ready to lead boldly, adapt fearlessly, and inspire greatness in themselves and those they lead.
Culture Is Everything
April illuminates the pivotal role culture plays in organizational success. She emphasizes that culture isn't merely defined by policies or procedures but is established by the actions and behaviors of senior leadership. Through her engaging and informative keynote, April empowers leaders to cultivate a culture that inspires, motivates, and retains top talent. By recognizing the significance of their influence, leaders can harness the power of culture to create environments where employees thrive, driving productivity and propelling the organization towards its goals. In April's presentations, culture isn't just a byproduct of organizational dynamics—it's the cornerstone of a thriving workplace ecosystem.

Request Availability for April Simpkins

APRIL SIMPKINS BOOKS
By the Time You Read This: The Space between Cheslie's Smile and Mental Illness—Her Story in Her Own Words

About the Book

By the Time You Read This: The Space Between Cheslie’s Smile and Mental Illness is a poignant memoir co-authored by former Miss USA Cheslie Kryst and her mother, April Simpkins. The book offers an intimate look into Cheslie’s life, chronicling her journey from a successful attorney and pageant queen to an entertainment journalist, while simultaneously battling persistent depression.

Through Cheslie’s own writings, readers gain insight into her personal struggles, including feelings of unworthiness and the immense pressure to maintain perfection. Following Cheslie’s tragic death by suicide in January 2022, April Simpkins fulfills her daughter’s wish by completing and publishing the memoir.

In her contributions, April shares her perspective on Cheslie’s mental health challenges and the profound impact of her loss. The book aims to shed light on the often-unseen aspects of mental illness, emphasizing the importance of open conversations and support for those affected.

Proceeds from the memoir are dedicated to the Cheslie C. Kryst Foundation, supporting mental health programs for youth and young adults.