Heather Somple Anderson

Heather Somple Anderson has a diverse work experience spanning several industries and roles. Heather Somple has served as the Chief Learning and Organizational Development Officer at Akin since 2023. Prior to that, they worked at California Lutheran University as a Senior Adjunct Faculty, where they received recognition for their innovative teaching methods. Heather Somple also worked as a Social Science Researcher at California State University, Northridge, leading studies on the experiences of former female inmates and migration crisis in Athens, Greece.

Heather has a background in nonprofit work, having founded and directed Midtown Out Loud, a philanthropic art program, where they successfully nurtured a community-based culture and supported social justice causes. Heather Somple also worked at Sierra Donor Services as a Public Education Coordinator and Family Care Coordinator, representing the organization and managing organ and tissue donation processes.

In addition to their nonprofit work, Heather founded and directed the SwaziHope Outreach & Fundraising Campaign for St. Philip's Mission in Eswatini, delivering presentations and creating marketing content.

Heather's experience also includes working as an Executive Project Manager and Executive Administrator at EMQ FamiliesFirst, designing and managing statewide projects, and as a Program Coordinator at World Emergency Relief - UK, evaluating community-led projects in 15 countries.

Heather Somple has also conducted a multinational study for the Dare To Care HIV Program, appraising preparation services for children living with HIV/AIDS, and worked as an Outreach Coordinator and Leadership Trainer at the Volunteer Center of San Mateo County, leading outreach efforts and teaching civic engagement and leadership courses.

Heather Somple Anderson holds a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Duke University. Heather Somple also has a Master of Arts in Sociology from California State University, Northridge, a Master of Arts in International Service and Development from the University of Roehampton, and a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from California State University, Chico. Additionally, they have completed the Academy for Future Instructors program at College of the Canyons and taken general education courses for transfer credits at Moorpark College. Heather has obtained various certifications including Social and Behavioral Research from the CITI Program, Digital Marketing from HubSpot Academy, Safe Zone LGBTQ+ Ally from California Lutheran University, Accessible Design (Section 508) from College of the Canyons, DREAMer Ally, Diversity and Inclusion from California Lutheran University, Teaching with Canvas from College of the Canyons, and Wilderness First Responder from NOLS Wilderness Medicine.