Advocate against human trafficking and musician Mikayla Simeral sings national anthem at Big Bay Boom

Mikayla Simeral, a San Diego-based worship leader and social work advocate, recently performed the national anthem at the Big Bay Boom event, blending her dual passions for music and activism. With a Master’s in social work focused on anti-trafficking and a Master’s in ethnomusicology, Simeral connects her faith-driven mission to combat human trafficking through her non-profit, Shared Hope International. Her military heritage, tracing back to her great-grandfather’s D-Day sacrifice, adds depth to her performance, especially as she sings the anthem on the 250th anniversary of the event. Simeral’s journey from a musician to a social worker highlights her commitment to helping others, inspired by her parents’ musical influence and her own experiences. She trains nationwide to identify at-risk children and emphasizes the importance of her work, stating, ‘My faith is at the core, and everything just stems from that.’ Her husband, a Navy veteran, praises her authenticity, noting she remains ‘the same person’ regardless of her surroundings. The anthem performance, significant given her family’s military ties, underscores her dedication to honoring those who served, reflecting her belief in making the world a better place.