About

Writing for me is about reflecting the world in which I have actually lived while daring to imagine a liberated future, free from systemic racism and poverty. My work focuses on pushing aside the roadblocks of racism, sexism, classism (and more) so all our children are safe, loved, nourished, and free. It’s my mission to tackle systemic oppression through policy advocacy and in my writing. The ability to address issues like poverty, hunger, and domestic violence and name the experiences of marginalized children is not a traditional path for children’s literature. But I believe that speaking directly to children and recognizing their ability to know and have agency in circumstances that they may not fully understand is the bridge to hope and healing.

Her life journey has been defined by a passion for words, justice, and advocacy. Born with a natural inclination towards both the literary and the legal, she embarked on a diverse career path that seamlessly blended these two realms. For more than two decades, Shimica has worked in law and public policy specializing in legislative, regulatory and policy issues associated with criminal justice reform and children’s rights. She formerly served as the Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General in the Office of Legal Policy (OLP) of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), where she developed and implemented innovative policy initiatives for the Department and Obama Administration in areas such as smart on crime, law enforcement and emerging technologies, prison reform, reentry, and issues affecting children with incarcerated parents. Prior to joining DOJ, she was in private practice at Covington & Burling LLP in Washington, D.C.

Shimica’s lived experience and legal expertise provided a foundation for understanding systemic injustices and was the catalyst for her subsequent activism. As Executive Director of Children’s Defense Fund-California and Co-Executive Director of the Children’s Defense Fund, Shimica led statewide and nationwide advocacy, policy, program and organizing efforts to ensure access to quality and affordable health care for children and low-income families, reform the juvenile justice system, promote educational equity, end child poverty, and improve outcomes for children of color. Currently, she is a Rosenberg Foundation Leading Edge Fellow and her work focuses on building a future free of racism and poverty so every child has a childhood of abundance and opportunities to thrive.

Shimica’s true calling is creative expression. Drawing upon her experiences in the legal field and deep-seated commitment to social change, she transitioned into writing and poetry, using these mediums as powerful tools for storytelling and advocacy work.  Her words are saturated with a rare blend of lyricism and urgency, inviting readers of all ages to ponder life’s most profound questions and to confront the injustices that permeate our world. Through her evocative verse, she seeks not only to provoke thought but also to inspire action, igniting a spark of hope in the hearts of all who encounter her poetry.

Beyond literary pursuits, Shimica remains deeply committed to social justice activism, using her platforms to amplify the voices of the marginalized and to effect meaningful change in society. Whether through her writing, her activism, or legal expertise, Shimica continues to be a tireless advocate for a more equitable and compassionate world.

Shimica earned her J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center and graduated cum laude with BA in philosophy from the Catholic University of America. Shimica began her career as a law clerk for the Honorable Roger L. Gregory on the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit and the Honorable Victoria Roberts on the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan.

Her writings have appeared in USA Today, Capital Weekly, Sacramento Bee, Los Angeles Daily News, CalMatters, and legal journals. Shimica is blessed to live in beautiful Altadena, CA with her wonderful, encouraging husband and two amazing kids.