Leadership & Service | Judge Sheva Sims

Past President, YWCA Board

Judge Sims served as Past President of the Board of Directors for the YWCA of Northwest Louisiana, reflecting her longstanding commitment to women, families, and community advancement.

Professional Affiliations

Her memberships include the American Judges Association, National Association of Women Judges, Louisiana Judicial Council, National Bar Association, Shreveport Bar Association, BLASB, the League of Women Voters, and the North Shreveport Business Association.

Women in Prison Initiative

While serving with the National Association of Women Judges, Judge Sims was selected by Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson to help spearhead the Women in Prison Initiative in North Louisiana.

Historic Cosmetology Program

As District 6 Director of the National Association of Women Judges from 2017 to 2019, Judge Sims received approval from the Louisiana State Board of Cosmetology to move forward with planning and implementation of a cosmetology program for incarcerated women in Tallulah.

Educational and Reentry Programs

Judge Sims collaborated with Southern University at Shreveport and Bossier Parish Community College to initiate educational and skills-based reentry programs for incarcerated women, helping expand real opportunities for reentry and personal growth.

Public Speaking and Civic Education

Judge Sims has frequently spoken at graduations, honor convocations, Judges and Lawyers in the Classroom programs, community legal rights events, and student forums across the region.

Faith and Community Engagement

Judge Sims has participated in interfaith and community justice events across Shreveport, reflecting her longstanding commitment to civic unity, service, and equal justice.

Women in Prison Initiative Support

Judge Sims inspired and coordinated support for incarcerated women by helping secure more than 100 boxes of books for the women’s jail in Tallulah.

Youth and Family Outreach

Her community involvement has included mentorship, educational support, and participation in service efforts that directly benefit children and families.

Selected Honors

Recognized for leadership and impact

Power of Influence AwardNAACP Louisiana, 2023

American Judges Association President's Award2022

Louisiana Leading Ladies Award2022

National Bar Association Power 50 Award2022

American Judges Association Member Spotlight2022

National Bar Association Judicial Council A. Leon Higginbotham Award2021

Service and Leadership RecognitionGovernor John Bel Edwards, 2019

Power of Influence Woman of Inspiration Award2018

Judges in the Classroom AwardJudge Benjamin Jones, 2017

Crystal Gavel AwardLouisiana State Bar Association, November 15, 2013

Dr. Jesse N. Stone Pioneer Award2013

Women Motivating Women Award2012

National Judicial Leadership

Documented service with the National Association of Women Judges

Judge Sims’ leadership with the National Association of Women Judges included District 6 service, public legal education, conference work, and initiatives focused on opportunity, reentry, and civic understanding.

District 6 DirectorNAWJ leadership across a multi-state judicial network

Women in Prison InitiativeSupport for educational and skills-based opportunities for incarcerated women

Judicial EducationConference programming and public forums centered on access and justice

Community OutreachService documented through NAWJ District 6 newsletters

NAWJ District 6 newsletter archive

These materials help document Judge Sims’ broader judicial leadership, public service, and commitment to justice beyond the bench.

View the media archive

Speaking and Service Invitations

Trusted to educate, encourage, and lead in public settings

Additional archive documents show Judge Sims being invited to speak on equal access to justice, women’s leadership, legal rights, and community advancement. These materials reinforce the record of public service already reflected in her judicial and civic leadership.

View Service Documents

Legal Services of North Louisiana featured speaker invitation for Judge Sims

Leadership beyond the courtroom