The Story & Journey of Simone Mao

Simone Mao is political worker, academic scholar in philosophy and economics, and entrepreneur. She is currently pursuing a Joint Degree in Economics and Government at Harvard University. She plans to further her education in law and aims to specialize in Canadian Constitutional law.

With an interdisciplinary academic background spanning seven years in Economics, Philosophy, and Classics, Simone sees philosophy, economics, and politics as a whole. She has contributed to scholarly work in these fields and formerly focused on Modern and Ancient Philosophy, particularly Spinoza and Pre-Socratic to Aristotelian thought. Her Chinese edition of "Methexis: The Platonic Theory of Ideas and the Participation of Empirical Things," a monograph by Francesco Fronterotta, globally recognized Plato specialist, will be published in 2025. She also co-contributed to the Chinese edition of the Oxford Classical Dictionary. After the Covid-19 pandemic, her interests evolved towards practical issues of social governance, emphasizing Political Philosophy, Public Affairs, and Ethics.

In the field of municipal policy and advocacy, Simone advocated for youth issues at the Toronto Youth Cabinet. She focuses on housing and employment as the two most critical issues. She voiced support for immigration policy changes and newcomers' well-being. Immigrants are one of Canada's most marginalized groups due to their lack of political rights and representation. She is interested in measures addressing the housing affordability crisis for working families.

Simone gained practical expertise in urban and industrial economics consultancy at a leading think-tank, focusing on industrial park development, investment attraction, and urban planning. She contributed to "Characteristic Towns: Theory, Practice, and Policy," providing essential guidance for public and private sectors. Influenced by Classical Studies and great thinkers, her political perspective emphasizes the principles of good order (eunomia), justice in redistribution, and effective social governance.

Her initial role in comprehensive economic development, which highlighted the empowerment economic prosperity brings to citizen purchasing power and good governance, shaped her career trajectory. Her dedication to good governance gains perspective from the decision-makers' role, contributing intellectual and practical values to political empowerment.

In policy and government relations, as a civic-minded leader, her work in board governance embodies grassroots democracy, elevating the voices of marginalized groups to the boardroom and promoting inclusive prosperity in decision-making processes.

Driven by a deep respect for democratic principles, she views electoral politics as a crucial practices of respecting public opinion. She believes that for a political system to be truly democratic, all citizens must be fairly represented and have equal opportunities to be heard. Women's unique perspectives on policy issues are essential for informed and high-quality decision-making. Diverse representation of women expands the information base and leads to better governance.

The absence of equal representation in government perpetuates barriers to equitable power sharing among genders. Closing the gender gap in politics is vital to opening more opportunities for women to run for office. She recognizes that electoral politics is the best (and sometimes only practical) way to advance her advocacy for prosperity among common citizens, diversity principles, and women's empowerment.

As a National Campaign School participant in Equal Voice, Canada's influential multi-partisan charity, she attended workshops and connected with leading political professionals, including Members of Parliament, MLA/MPPs, Mayors, and City Councillors. Simone has experience in canvassing, team mobilization, social media marketing, GOTV, volunteer training, fundraising, and budgeting. She contributed to campaigns such as Bonnie Crombie for Leadership 2023, Leslie Church for MP in Toronto-St. Paul and more.

In the field of Canadian Public Policy, as a CanStudyUS Fellow 2024, Simone engages in civil discourse with policy experts and learns about leadership and governance, focusing on Canada-US bilateral relations, election dynamics, media in democracy, trust in institutions, and indigenous reconciliation.

Simone also possesses expertise in US policy, familiar with the federal policymaking process and the inner workings of the executive and legislative branches. She studies the history of American conservatism, liberalism, and racial issues, influenced by her early love for reading Enlightenment thinkers and "The Federalist Papers", as well as her extensive research in political philosophy.

Simone's career aspiration is to serve the public sector, aiming to benefit the community, the city, and society at large.

She is driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact, both intellectually and practically. She is committed to inclusion, equity, and empowerment, and passionate about championing causes such as social justice and good governance.