SIMONA DUNN
CHIEF PEOPLE OFFICER
PROFESSIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
Simona holds a Bachelor of Science in Sociology from the University of Houston and a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resources Management from the University of Phoenix. She also holds two nationally recognized certifications: Professional in Human Resources (PHR) and SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP).
Before joining Barrios, Simona served as Director of Human Capital Management at Axiom Space, reporting directly to the CEO. There, she led the development and execution of a human capital strategy that grew the company from 25 to over 300 employees, establishing the company’s core values and cultural foundation.
She previously held key HR leadership roles with Lubrizol Corporation – where she supported the company’s largest global manufacturing site – and LyondellBasell, one of the world’s largest plastics, chemicals, and refining companies. At LyondellBasell, she was the Senior Global HR Manager and served as HR Governance and Compliance Officer, M&A lead, and HRMS project expert.
Throughout her career, Simona has been a driving force for transformation, known for leading initiatives in change management, talent strategy, succession planning, and employee engagement. Her strategic insight and collaborative leadership style have helped organizations enhance their people operations and cultivate high-performing cultures.
GIVING BACK
Simona is passionate about advocacy and equity. As a Board Member for Allies in Hope, she supports programs focused on health, awareness, and support for underserved communities. She is also a vocal champion for workplace inclusion and mentoring emerging HR professionals.
BARRIOS FAMILY
We promote a people-first atmoshphere focused on our diverse team where employees are connected, supported, respected and empowered.
WORK LIFE BALANCE
We enable our people to achieve an effective balance between their work and personal lives through our policies, management approach, and employee activities.
EXTRAORDINARY VALUE
We dedicate our efforts to achieving the mission of our customers and deliver superior performance through our innovative and passionate workforce. We do this in a flexible, cost-effective and sustainable way.
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
We are committed to making a long lasting positive impact on the communities where we do business.
WHAT SETS US APART
- 42+ years as a Federal government prime contractor, primarily to NASA.
- Partner to a diverse customer and industry base across government and commercial space sectors.
- 650+ employees delivering broad experience and technical expertise.
- A woman-owned business that maintains a legac y of excellence.
- Small business agility with robust business infrastructure.
- ISO9001 and AS9100 Certified.
- Consistently awarded ‘Excellent’ performance scores on prime contracts to NASA.
NASA Woman-Owned Small Business of the Year Award
NASA / JSC Small Business Prime Contractor of the Year Award
SBA Region 6 Prime Contractor of the Year & Subcontractor of the Year Awards
Boeing Supplier of the Year Award
EMY AWARD
Each year, the Barrios EMY Award, named after our founder, Emyré Barrios Robinson, recognizes an employee who
contributes beyond the workplace in service to the community.
An employee whose efforts exemplify our Barrios Value of Social Responsibility, is committed to making a long-lasting
positive impact and doing good for society around them, and consistently demonstrates an unyielding dedication
to community service and improving the lives of others.
PERSONAL LIFE
Simona enjoys traveling, exploring different cultures, and spending quality time with her family. A lifelong learner, she continuously seeks out ways to grow professionally and personally while supporting others to do the same.
BARRIOS FAMILY
We promote a people-first atmoshphere focused on our diverse team where employees are connected, supported, respected and empowered.
WORK LIFE BALANCE
We enable our people to achieve an effective balance between their work and personal lives through our policies, management approach, and employee activities.
EXTRAORDINARY VALUE
We dedicate our efforts to achieving the mission of our customers and deliver superior performance through our innovative and passionate workforce. We do this in a flexible, cost-effective and sustainable way.
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
We are committed to making a long lasting positive impact on the communities where we do business.