About April

“I’m not here to help you hustle harder—I’m here to help you breathe, set boundaries, and stop normalizing burnout.”
April Simpkins
I studied accounting and music in college—which may sound like an odd pairing, but both require rhythm, discipline, and an eye (or ear) for what’s out of balance. My first job was in accounting, with a side of “personnel” duties (before we had the branding glow-up to “Human Resources”). In that job I discovered my passion: listening, learning, and helping people create workplaces that didn’t make them lose sleep—or their minds.
Eventually, I built a consulting firm that changed everything for me—personally and professionally. That journey gave me more than a business. It gave me stories, scars, victories, and most importantly, lessons I passed on to my children: the good, the bad, the broke, and the unshakable drive of being an entrepreneur.
I’ve sat across from business owners who’ve poured everything into their companies and quietly asked, “Is this supposed to feel this hard?” I’ve helped them find answers—and peace of mind. That’s my sweet spot.
I’ve also learned a few things outside the boardroom:
-
I used to groan about running 800 meters. I’ve since run the New York Marathon. Three times.
-
I started on a toy piano and ended up earning a full music scholarship as a classically trained pianist and vocalist.
-
I’ve learned that where you start isn’t where you have to finish.
-
And that your physical and mental wellness aren’t luxuries—they’re your power source.

Today, as a speaker, advocate, and podcast host, I can promise you this:
-
I will always keep it real.
-
I don’t hoard knowledge—you deserve access, too.
-
I’m rooting for you, even when you don’t feel like rooting for yourself.
-
And I still believe in kindness. Always.
Be well,
April
Professional Bio
April Simpkins, SHRM-CP, PHR, CDP
-
President - April Simpkins Enterprise, LLC
-
Founder - Cheslie C. Kryst Foundation
-
National Ambassador - NAMI
-
Board Member - South Carolina Small Business Development Centers
-
Board Member - NAMI Piedmont Tri-County
-
Board Member - York County Regional Chamber
-
Board Member - York County Natural Gas
-
Member - Duke Energy Advisory Council (Upstate, SC)
-
Member - Women Presidents Organization (WPO)
-
Member - Business Journal Leadership Trust

Awards & Recognition
-
2025 - Resilient Leadership Award - Career Mastered
-
2024 - Jack Holladay Community Champion Award - NAMI Piedmont Tri-County
-
2024 - Distinguished Service Award - Johns Hopkins Medicine - A Woman's Journey
-
2024 - Top Movers And Shakers of the Accounting Industry - Visionary HR Leader - MyCPE One
-
2022 – 100 Women To KNOW In America – KNOW Women
-
2022 - Mental Health Advocate Of The Year - Family. Services of America Corp.
-
2021 - Presidents Award - Women Presidents Organization (WPO)
-
2020 – Unsung Hero Award (for Exemplary Leadership in DEI) – Greenville SHRM
-
2020 – Women In Business Achievement Award – Charlotte Business Journal
-
2018 - Fort Mill, Tega Cay Business Person Of The Year – York County Regional Chamber
-
2016 - 50 Most Influential Women Award - Mecklenburg Times
-
2016 – Woman of Color Award - Women Presidents Organization (WPO) and 100 Black Men
-
2011 – Mover & Shaker Award – Business Leader Magazine