Harvey-Born Simms Looks To Bring Healthcare Career Pathways Back Home

When Helena Simms opened Lab Girls Training Academy, the goal was simply to help people enter the healthcare field faster.

Now, after years of growth, new partnerships, dozens of graduates and a growing reputation across the South Suburbs, Simms is preparing for something she once only hoped might be possible.

She’s buying her first home.

“I’m still kind of in shock,” Simms said.

The milestone comes as Lab Girls continues expanding its footprint throughout the Southland.

Over the past two years, Simms has transformed her Lansing-based healthcare training academy into a growing workforce pipeline that connects students with certifications, externships and jobs in the medical field.

Since relocating to Lansing, Simms said the business has continued gaining momentum.

“I believe the location was a great location for one,” she said. “It gave me more space and more opportunity.”

She credits much of that growth to community partnerships, networking opportunities, some of which she gained through the Southland Development Authority (SDA), and organizations that have helped connect students with funding.

Another one of those partnerships is with Next Move Community Services in Lansing. It’s a nonprofit organization that helps young people access financial assistance for training programs.

Lab Girls has also partnered with CEDA’s youth programs.

Earlier this year, the academy trained 20 students through a workforce development contract. Fifteen completed the program and earned certifications. Several have already entered the workforce.

“At least three to four of them are currently working as we speak now,” Simms said.

The academy continues building additional pathways for students.

Simms recently secured a new externship partnership with Advocate Health Care. One student is scheduled to begin an externship at Advocate South Suburban Hospital later this month.

Lab Girls also landed a new partnership with Labcorp, which provides blood work and lab tests in Chicago.

The agreement creates opportunities for externships and potential job placement opportunities for graduates.

Healthcare workforce shortages remain a challenge across much of the country.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for phlebotomists is projected to grow 8% through 2033, faster than the average for all occupations. Demand for medical assistants, patient care technicians and other healthcare support positions continues growing as hospitals and healthcare systems look for qualified workers.

Simms wants Lab Girls to help meet some of that demand locally.

The academy currently offers phlebotomy training, but Simms is already preparing for additional growth.

She is also exploring the addition of pharmacy technician, medical assistant and certified nursing assistant programs.

That expansion may require more space.

Her current lease expires next year. She is already discussing future plans with partners and advisors. Initially, Simms considered relocating again. But now, she is thinking bigger.

“My biggest goal is to bring my training center into Harvey,” she said.

The city holds special meaning for Simms.

She was born and raised there.

And while she says Harvey still has tremendous potential, she believes the community needs more investment and more opportunities for young people.

“Harvey has nothing,” Simms said. “I really want to bring back to my community and help my community become what it once was.”

Her long-term vision starts with local schools.

Simms hopes to partner with area high schools to create healthcare career pathways that expose students to medical professions before graduation.

“The goal is to build a center to navigate to the youth and bring healthcare training into the high school so that it can prepare them for careers as they enter into college and adulthood,” she said.

At the same time, the business is creating opportunities for Simms herself.

After years of building the academy, she is now preparing to become a homeowner.

“It feels amazing,” she said. “That’s been one of my biggest struggles over the last years.”

Like many entrepreneurs, Simms spent years balancing personal expenses with the costs of running a business. Owning a home once felt distant. Today, it feels within reach.

“I didn’t look that far,” Simms said when asked whether she ever imagined the business would put her in a position to buy a house. “But over these last two years, business has been blossoming.”

The growth has opened doors beyond homeownership.

Five years from now, Simms hopes to operate a dedicated healthcare training center that works directly with school districts and serves students throughout the Southland.

Ten years from now, she envisions expanding even further into healthcare services.

She also hopes to finally work full-time for herself.

“I want to be fully invested into working in my own business,” she said.

For now, Simms is focused on the next class, the next partnership and the next student looking for an opportunity.

And if her plans come together, the next generation of healthcare workers may get their start in the very community where her own story began. Harvey, Illinois. A place that clearly holds a special place in her heart.

About the Southland Development Authority

The Southland Development Authority, a not-for-profit economic development organization, is committed to driving equitable and sustainable economic growth in the South Suburbs of Chicago. Through innovative programs, strategic partnerships, and impactful direct investments, the SDA is building a vibrant, inclusive economy that drives wealth growth for individuals, businesses, and municipalities. Combined with the benefits of the South Suburban Land Bank and the Monarch Fund, the SDA serves as a model for regional development.