Simone Ragland, LMSW

Simone Ragland, LMSW, a graduate of UB SSW, is a licensed social worker, administrator, educator, CEO, and founder of Families Aimed Toward Excellence FATE, LLC and Bits & Bytes STEM Foundation, Inc.  

She has over 20 years of experience providing support services to individuals and families by facilitating parent education classes, family support for individuals with developmental disabilities and recovery treatment, and in-home intensive therapy for children and their families through organizations in Erie County.

Simone was Project Director for the Science and Technology Enrichment Program for almost a decade at the University at Buffalo. Simone has cultivated a wealth of knowledge and understanding for the student's academic and socio-emotional needs, specifically those historically underrepresented groups, including girls in science, technology, engineering, math (STEM), and computer science. She has been immersed in the local educational community, creating and providing opportunities for students to close the achievement, digital, and equity gaps. She also assists students in developing and sharpening skills needed to excel in post-secondary education and STEM careers.

In July 2023, she launched the Bits and Bytes STEM project powered by Families Aimed Toward Excellence FATE, owned by her and husband, Kevin Ragland. Since its launch, they have exposed 3500 students in grades Pre-K to 11 to the fundamentals of building and coding robots, the engineering design process, and the presence of robots in their daily lives and the future. Simone's role as a mentor provides invaluable support and guidance to children and families and continues to increase diversity and inclusion in the STEM pathways, STEM education, and STEM careers. 

She also delivers services for the Buffalo Urban League's foster care and adoption program and the high-fidelity wraparound program through socio-emotional groups and individual counseling sessions.