Cindy Sims shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Cindy, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
I chose integrity because it is the foundation on which all meaningful leadership and service must rest. Intelligence and energy are valuable, but without integrity they can be misdirected or even damaging. Integrity keeps my decisions aligned with my values, ensures that my actions match my words, and builds trust with the people I serve and work alongside.
For me, integrity means doing what is right even when it is difficult or unseen. It means being consistent, honest, and accountable — qualities that create stability, strengthen relationships, and give others confidence in my leadership. By choosing integrity first, I’m choosing to lead in a way that is dependable, ethical, and grounded. It is the value that guides my judgment, shapes my character, and ultimately defines how I want to show up in the world.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I serve as the Executive Director of a team dedicated to supporting victims of domestic and sexual violence, stalking, and human trafficking. Our organization is unique because we walk alongside survivors with compassion, confidentiality, and unwavering commitment—meeting each person exactly where they are and helping them rebuild safety, stability, and hope.
At Center of Hope, we believe in empowering survivors through comprehensive services, community education, and strong advocacy. Much of my work focuses on expanding our outreach, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring that every survivor has access to the resources and support they deserve. We are continually working to enhance our programs, raise awareness, and create a community where every individual feels seen, supported, and safe.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
My mom taught me the most about work. She showed me what it means to show up with dedication, humility, and resilience, no matter the circumstance. Through her example, I learned the value of doing things with integrity, taking pride in even the smallest tasks, and treating people with kindness along the way. Her work ethic didn’t just shape how I approach my job—it shaped who I am.
What’s something you changed your mind about after failing hard?
I once started a business that didn’t succeed, and at the time, it felt like a major failure. But looking back, I realized it wasn’t wasted at all. Every job I’ve held and every experience—both good and bad—has prepared me for the work I do now. That experience taught me that failure isn’t a dead end; it’s a teacher. Sometimes you have to learn what not to do in order to succeed, and those lessons have become just as important as the victories.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What truths are so foundational in your life that you rarely articulate them?
One foundational truth in my life is the goodness of God. It’s something so deeply woven into how I see the world that I don’t always say it out loud, but it guides my perspective, my decisions, and the way I show up for others. His goodness has carried me through both challenges and victories, and it remains the steady foundation beneath everything I do.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people will say that I eventually learned what truly mattered—that everything I’ve done was never really about me. It took me a long time to understand that any good that came from my life or my work was only possible through the grace of God. My hope is that my story reflects His strength, not mine, and that people remember a life lived in service, humility, and gratitude for all He made possible.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://centerofhopetn.org
- Instagram: centerofhopetn.org
- Facebook: centerofhopetn.org
