Shaniqua Simuel: A Hurricane Hero

When the hurricane hit Asheville’s historic Shiloh neighborhood, Shaniqua Simuel jumped into action—bringing resources, joy, and healing to a community of over 3,000, many of them seniors left without power or water for weeks.

As the Shiloh Community Association’s first paid employee and Neighborhood Navigator, she leveraged every tool available—from robocalls and social networks to partnerships with ABIPA’s Life Center, World Central Kitchen and Rock Hill Missionary Baptist Church. With help from Jesse Cowan, Max Mandler and so many others, she coordinated hot meals, distributed and found storage for essentials, and even secured a 1,200-gallon water tank to meet urgent needs.

Founder of Change Your Palate, a wellness program focused on high-risk health prevention, Shaniqua continues to nourish her community—body and soul. Her recent watch party at the Historic YMI Cultural Center for her new TV show, The Rotating Chef, was a celebration of food, culture, and resilience.

Through her work with the Shiloh Community Association and their garden, she’s helped us reconnect to the natural world as a way to nourish our bodies and calm our spirits. Shaniqua, your radiant presence and tireless service are a gift to this region—and we are so proud to honor you.