Simone Carter

An intimate bookstore evening at Canal Walk — a paired in-conversation format with questions, readings and a warm room of readers. The kind of host role that lives close to the page.

Media-trained spokesperson with experience representing a multi-national philanthropy in high-level engagements. In my role as Manager: Strategic Partnerships, Communications & Advocacy at Allan & Gill Gray Philanthropy South Africa, I served as a public-facing spokesperson — enabling dialogue and collective reflection within the entrepreneurship ecosystem. I represented the organisation across national convenings, stakeholder engagements, and ecosystem platforms, developing executive messaging and positioning within complex, multi-stakeholder environments.

Panel facilitator, spokesperson, and lead project manager for a high-level regional government and ecosystem convening — hosted by Allan & Gill Gray Philanthropy South Africa in partnership with the KZN Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs and Enterprise iLembe. I engaged government, enterprise and civil society stakeholders in multi-stakeholder dialogue, led project management of the convening, and developed the full protocol plan — ensuring alignment with government standards and strategic clarity across voices in a live, high-level setting.

Panellist and facilitator in a Western Cape Government–linked ecosystem-building series, hosted by the Allan Gray Centre for Africa Entrepreneurship (AGCAE) in collaboration with the Department of Economic Development and Tourism. In the session on Ecosystem Strategies for Driving Systems Change, I contributed to discussions on collective impact and cross-sector collaboration, and facilitated a working-group session guiding participants through practical strategies to strengthen entrepreneurial ecosystems — reflecting my ongoing work at the intersection of government, academia, and practice.

Public-facing cultural representation in spaces that honour heritage, identity, and national legacy. I had the honour of being part of the launch of the Johnny Clegg statue at the Long March to Freedom heritage site in Century City. Clegg's legacy lives in his ability to bridge cultures through music — telling stories of identity, resistance, and unity during a deeply divided time in South Africa's history. My work in these spaces is grounded in representing initiatives and leaders that celebrate South Africa's diverse cultural identity and legacy.

Award-winning lecturer and national ambassador, translating complex ideas into accessible public communication. I have taught more than 1,000 students in strategic communication and public relations, and was recognised with a Teaching Excellence Award for Innovation in Higher Education. Alongside lecturing, I served as a University of Johannesburg Brand Ambassador — engaging national audiences on the Fourth Industrial Revolution and education pathways — and hosted a high-level district official study visit on 4IR in Education, bringing together education leaders and institutional stakeholders.

Public speaking in practice across advocacy, education, and stakeholder platforms. Pictured here are moments from my public-facing work — engaging audiences, facilitating dialogue, and representing advocacy-focused initiatives across sectors. These moments reflect my ongoing work in communication, storytelling, and stakeholder engagement in practice.

Featured thought leader on communication, authenticity, and skills development. I was profiled as a "Mover and Shaker" in the University of Johannesburg magazine, sharing my perspective on authentic leadership, communication, and skills development — translating lived experience and professional insight into narratives that resonate with broad audiences.