The Legacy Makers: Meet Grace Simon
Welcome to The Legacy Makers — a special feature series I’ve created as Co-Editor of BE Magazine’s Work section. I launched this series to spotlight women who are doing more than showing up for a job — they’re leading with conviction, building with purpose, and using their work to leave something that lasts.
You’ll hear directly from women influencing boardrooms, raising families, launching ideas, leading classrooms, and shaping culture — each sharing how faith and purpose show up in the work they do. Through these candid Q&As, you’ll find insight and encouragement to bring your beliefs to the front lines of whatever you’re building — from your business to your daily life.
This series is a reminder that Monday isn’t something to survive — it’s a space to show up with vision, faith, and fire. Whether your work already flows from what you believe — or you’re still finding your way there — you’re in the right place.
Read on, be inspired & let’s get to work!
Amanda
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Meet Grace Simon
Wife, mom of 4 and grandmother of two, city councillor, and a luxury Realtor in York Region. But beyond the titles, she’s someone who wakes up every day on a mission. Her top values — faith, love, and freedom — guide how she lives, leads, and serves. Whether she’s coaching entrepreneurs, advocating for policy at town hall, or helping families transition into their next home, she believes everything she does is spiritual, not by might or by power, but by His Spirit.
What first sparked your passion for the work you’re doing today — and how did your values or faith influence your decision to start or lead?
My journey started long before I held a title. I’ve always had a heart for people. Whether it was organizing neighbourhood Christmas events, serving at Inn from the Cold, or helping a family find their forever home—my mission has always been connection. Real estate gave me the flexibility to raise our children, but also the platform to continue doing what I was called to do: serve people and help them feel at home, not just in a house, but in their purpose. Public service came as a nudge from a friend who had seen me live out leadership in the community. I wasn’t searching for politics, but I was searching for impact—and God opened a door I hadn’t considered. I stepped forward in obedience and haven’t looked back.
Was there a defining moment when you felt guided or supported in your journey? Tell us about it.
One of the most defining moments was during a prayer walk in my neighbourhood. I clearly heard the Holy Spirit say, “Ask for the keys to your city.” I began to ask boldly — for open doors, divine connections, and influence to be used for good. Months later, I found myself in rooms with influential leaders and stepping into my campaign for council. But the wildest part? Five years earlier, while folding laundry, I casually said out loud, “I think I’m going to run for council in five years.” That wasn’t coincidence. That was prophecy. My journey has been like a puzzle, where every act of obedience places the next piece. It’s not always clear in the moment — but when you live intentionally, you begin to see the picture God’s building through you.
How do you stay connected to what really matters while growing your business or career?
I’m an all or nothing kind of gal, so I allow myself to have times to just step back and be present and enjoy my family and that’s a priority for me. I have a 12-year-old daughter who I take time with every single day. Sundays are my family time for all my kids and husband to enjoy the afternoon together -that’s priority. Keeping my family as priority allows me to step back for a moment and then go back in working hard working towards what I want to accomplish or work towards. I have to travel at least four times a year - that freedom piece, to go explore & experience is really important - whether it’s for work missions or adventure, it’s what keeps me going and thriving.
What kind of impact do you hope your life and work will have — on your community, the world, or future generations?
Legacy is love that keeps living. I don't want to just be remembered for what I built, but for how I made people feel. That they were seen, loved, and called higher. Whether it's in real estate, government, or prayer - I want my life to say: She loved big, lived bold, and followed Jesus until the end.
Are there personal habits, routines, or spiritual practices that help you lead with clarity and purpose?
For over 25 years, I've been up at 4:45 a.m. - not because I have to, but because I get to. Those quiet mornings are sacred: prayer, journaling, and listening. I have stacks of journals no one may ever read, but they carry my history with God. At night, I wind down in the hot tub, listen to what the Lord is saying about tomorrow, read something that challenges me, and write down who and what I'm grateful for. This rhythm isn't about being perfect - it's about staying aligned.
What would you say to a woman who feels pulled toward something more — but isn’t sure where to start?
Start moving, even if you don't see the whole picture. Obedience unlocks clarity. I never had a five-year plan - I had faith steps. Find mentors who sharpen your character. Stay rooted in the Word. And don't underestimate the power of listening prayer. God is still speaking - but we have to create space to hear Him.
If you had to sum up your personal purpose in a sentence or two, what would you say?
My purpose is to help myself, family others see what they don’t see to call forward what is already there to live a life, fully alive knowing all things are possible.
Connect with Grace: on instagram @grace.newdoors, or by email via grace.newdoors@gmail.com.
#TGIM
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📩 Know a woman who's leading with conviction and building something that lasts?
We’re on the lookout for Legacy Makers — the women living their purpose in the boardrooms and communities across the nation. Nominate someone (or yourself) to be featured in an upcoming spotlight. Email Amanda at: Editorials@Bemagazine.ca
🚀 Want more bold insights at the intersection of faith, purpose, and leadership?
Explore other stories in the Work section and follow Amanda @buildwithbizu or @amandastassen for more strategic insights to help you lead with clarity, grow with intention, and build what matters.
