Thara Mills Simmonds named 2026 Forty Under 40 Achiever in Education

Thara Brigitte Mills Simmonds has been named the 2026 Forty Under 40 Achiever in Education. The Ghanaian education entrepreneur and neurodiversity advocate, Founder and Strategic Lead of Mulan Smart Educational Center and Mulan Neurodiversity School, received the prestigious award at a ceremony held in Accra on September 12. Her accolade acknowledges her groundbreaking work in inclusive education, autism advocacy, and initiatives centered on children's social and emotional development.

In her acceptance speech, Mills Simmonds emphasized that the recognition symbolized a continued dedication to ensuring children feel "seen, heard, valued, included, and given the opportunity to thrive." She stressed that inclusion should not be an exception but rather the standard within the education system. Mills Simmonds has been actively involved in discussions on improving Ghana's education system to cater to children with distinct learning and developmental needs.

Through Mulan Neurodiversity School, she focuses on inclusive education, supports autism and neurodiversity advocacy, and raises public awareness.

Recent efforts by Mulan Neurodiversity School include an autism awareness and screening initiative in April, which involved specialists and stakeholders, aiming to promote early assessment, intervention, and a better understanding of children on the autism spectrum. The initiative also highlighted the necessity for improved support systems for families and children with developmental differences.

Beyond autism advocacy, Mills Simmonds has broadened her focus to encompass children's social and emotional development. In August, Mulan Smart Educational Center launched Pyramid SEL Ghana, implementing the Pyramid Model approach to foster social and emotional skills and create supportive learning environments.

Mills Simmonds accepts the award as a stepping stone, rather than an endpoint, in her advocacy for inclusion in education. She expressed gratitude to her team and family, acknowledging that the award provides her with a stronger platform to continue challenging barriers and promoting a more inclusive future in education, not only in Ghana but globally.

The 2026 Forty Under 40 Awards honor young professionals and leaders contributing to various sectors in Ghana, with Mills Simmonds boasting over eight years of experience in inclusive education, community development, and enterprise innovation across Ghana, Canada, and the United Kingdom.