February 14, 2023

Black History Month Employee Spotlight: Simson Guerrier

Name: Simson Guerrier
Title: Director of Accounts Payable
Years at KK: I will be celebrating my first-year anniversary with Kelley Kronenberg on February 21, 2023. I currently hold the role of Director of Accounts Payable. I am responsible for managing the firm’s working capital, cash flow management, and forecasting cash outflows. I ensure compliance with vendor contracts and policies and put internal controls in place to mitigate risks. Kelley Kronenberg has a very diverse team, and coming to work here every day is a blessing. Every morning I come with a smile, and I make sure it is contagious. I have the opportunity to work with a multi-racial group of professionals across all departments who go above and beyond to make this organization what it is today “ Simply Amazing.”
Moment in black history that influenced or shaped my career: Too many moments to list but Harriet Tubman’s selfless act of freeing herself and then reaching back to help the other slaves do the same at her own peril has been instrumental in inspiring me to be the person I am today. She hid messages in songs, whose tempos and lyrics offered codes to guide the escaped slaves to freedom. These actions teach me as a leader to always support my team, my coworkers, my friends, and my family in any capacity I can. I am here to serve and be helpful to society.
Favorite Quote or Mantra: “If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor. If an elephant has its foot on the tail of a mouse and you say that you are neutral, the mouse will not appreciate your neutrality.” — Archbishop Desmond Tutu
Why celebrating Black History Month is important: Black History month though I celebrate it every day, is a reminder of the sacrifices our ancestors have done for us to be here today. It is a continuous struggle to be black in America; however, Black History month brings a certain level of consciousness to all races. It presents an opportunity to educate and share our rich and diverse culture. There are so many stereotypes and preconceived notions about African Americans. My hope is with time; some people will realize we are all humans regardless of our skin color.
Who inspires me: Harriet Tubman: She dedicated her life to serving others, fighting oppression, and making a difference in the world. One of her famous quotes “Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars, to change the world.” “If you hear the dogs, keep going.” The reality is whatever we do in life, there will always be obstacles and very often a distraction. The goal is to stay focused and keep moving forward.
Conversation with civil rights activist: Doctor Martin Luther King has always embraced nonviolent movement because nonviolent resistance does not seek to defeat or humiliate the opponent but to win his friendship and understanding. If we all seek to understand the other side, we have a great chance of making a long-lasting impact. At the center of nonviolence stands the principle of love. In struggling for human dignity, the oppressed people of the world must not allow themselves to become bitter or indulge in hate campaigns. It is time we love each other regardless of race, religion, Ethnicity, or background.