Empowering Minds
Enriching Lives.
Elevating Futures.
Bridging opportunity and imagination to inspire the next generation of leaders.
"When we invest in imagination, we build legacies that outlive us."
Birdwild Project Incorporated is a federally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to elevating underserved communities through transformative charitable, educational, and scientific initiatives. Born from Birdwild, the poetic debut by co‑founder Bobbi Simmons, the organization embodies the book’s spirit of resilience, imagination, and generational legacy.
Rooted in service and guided by the belief that education can change the trajectory of a life, Birdwild Project Inc. empowers underserved youth from military families through scholarships, mentorship, job‑readiness training, and evidence‑based support. By connecting young people with positive role models, real‑world experiences, and culturally relevant resources, the organization helps them build confidence, purpose, and possibility.
Anchored in its guiding principle, “Empowering Individuals Through Education,” Birdwild champions youth empowerment, literacy advancement, and culturally rich programming that honors heritage while inspiring forward movement.
Our work is guided by a simple truth:
When we invest in imagination, we build legacies that outlive us.
Our Team
Visionary Leadership
Meet the dedicated individuals committed to community upliftment and educational equity.
Thomas J. Simmons
President, Birdwild Project Inc. | U.S. Navy Senior Chief (Ret.) | Community Leader & Advocate for Educational Equity
Thomas J. Simmons is the visionary President of Birdwild Project Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding educational opportunities for underprivileged students through scholarships and community-based initiatives.
A native of Charleston, South Carolina, and now based in Jacksonville, Florida, Thomas brings the discipline of a 24-year United States Navy career to his leadership. As a Senior Chief Electrician’s Mate (Retired), he earned numerous commendations, including 3 Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, 7 Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, and an Army Achievement Medal, reflecting his technical mastery and leadership across global operations.
After earning his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Columbia College of Missouri, Thomas transitioned his skills toward nonprofit development and youth mentorship. His leadership style is rooted in integrity, structure, and purpose, principles that also define his work as sponsor of the First Coast Smooth Jazz Festival, an event that celebrates culture and raises scholarship funds for students pursuing higher education.
A passionate advocate for community upliftment, Thomas continues to serve as a mentor, speaker, and advocate for educational access and excellence. Alongside his wife and creative partner, author and educator Bobbi Jean Simmons, he channels his lifelong belief: that when opportunity meets preparation, the result is transformation.
Bobbi Jean Simmons
Author | Educator | Literary Visionary | Co-Founder, Birdwild Project Inc.
Bobbi Jean Simmons is a distinguished author, poet, and former educator whose career spans more than two decades of teaching, writing, and cultural advocacy. A proud graduate of South Carolina State University, she holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Troy State University, and an Educational Specialist Degree in the same field with doctoral-level coursework.
Over 25 years in education, Bobbi transformed classrooms into creative sanctuaries where language, culture, and critical thought flourished. Her teaching excellence was honored with multiple awards, including Teacher of the Year and Middle School Exemplary Mentor of the Year. She also founded Free To Be Penned Up, a student writing community that empowered young voices and built partnerships with institutions such as SCAD (Savannah College of Art & Design).
Her literary debut, Birdwild, captivated global audiences and earned a spotlight feature in Publishers Weekly’s BookLife Indie Spotlight (2021). The novel’s success inspired a trilogy and a screenplay adaptation, marking her as a modern voice for resilience and storytelling. Today, she continues her educational mission through The Birdwild Project (DBA), a literary and youth empowerment initiative that merges art, wellness, and environmental awareness through her beloved Soil Sisters Magical Garden Adventure children’s series.
Through her creative and philanthropic work, Bobbi embodies the belief that education and imagination are the twin engines of progress, and that every young mind deserves fertile soil in which to grow.
First Coast Smooth Jazz Festival
Birdwild Project Inc. is the proud presenter of Jacksonville’s premier cultural event. The festival celebrates artistry and raises vital scholarship funds for students pursuing higher education.
Join Our Mission
Your support helps us provide resources, role models, and real-world opportunities to students in need.