Twyla ‘Ms. T’ Simpkins taught in the Chester Upland School District for 35 years before retiring in 2008. She has since become the Founding Director of the Yes We Can Achievement and Cultural Center, a Chester-based 501(c)3 organization dedicated to the elimination of racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity. She plays an active role in the Chester community, participating in many events as an archivistorian and storyteller. A graduate of the Pennsylvania State University, she currently has a BS in Secondary English Education. Her post-graduate work has earned her an equivalency Masters as she continues this summer with additional coursework towards a dual certification in African American Studies.