Championing Community, Empathy, and Opportunity at MSK
MSK's Environmental Services team works around the clock — 600+ strong — to make sure every patient walks into a safe, clean, and welcoming space.
Some careers grow slowly. Simone Hutchinson's grew with purpose.
Simone joined Memorial Sloan Kettering 17 years ago as an assistant in Nuclear Medicine. Today, she serves as Associate Director in the Office of Academic and Cancer Center Administration, leading a team that manages the Cancer Center Support Grant — one of the most critical components of MSK's status as an NCI-designated cancer center.
"There are rigorous standards that MSK must adhere to, to maintain accreditation," Simone explains. "Our team ensures that all grant work is submitted and that MSK is ready for any site visits."
Her path from entry-level assistant to senior leader was made possible, in part, by MSK's tuition reimbursement program. Simone used that support to earn both her bachelor's and master's degrees, advancing through roles in Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Pediatrics along the way.
But Simone's impact at MSK goes beyond her day-to-day work. As a former co-lead of the ABLE Employee Resource Network (ERN), she helped foster a more inclusive environment for employees living with disabilities or supporting loved ones who do.
"I think it starts with empathy and extending grace," she says. Simone is also active in the BLAM and LGBTQ+ Pride ERNs, grounded in a belief that understanding others begins with a willingness to listen. "Another person's life and culture doesn't and shouldn't have to look like ours for us to walk a mile in their shoes."
Family shapes the way Simone shows up at work too. Her mother and grandmother modeled strength and perseverance — values she has carried into raising her own daughters. Her daughter Sasha now works at MSK as an Office Assistant, bringing the legacy full circle.
"Being a mom and raising daughters has taught me to really immerse myself in the joys of sisterhood and community," Simone reflects, "and to appreciate the value of being surrounded by strong women."
Her advice? Simple and powerful: "Never count yourself out. You can achieve almost anything you put your mind to. Don't let fear and doubt take you out of the race."
At MSK, Simone found more than a career. She found a community — and helped build one too.
Never count yourself out. You can achieve almost anything you put your mind to.