Grace was born and raised in Little Rock, Arkansas, and attended the historic Little Rock Central High School. Since 2019, she has worked with high school students and their families with college and career planning. 

As a college counselor at Thurgood Marshall Academy in Washington, D.C. and then at Cristo Rey Jesuit High School in Minneapolis, Grace worked with predominantly first-generation students of color interested in attending four-year colleges. Most recently, she served as the College & Career Readiness Coordinator at Richfield High School, where she advised students in a range of college and career pathways, including trades and military programs. As an educator, she tailors her support to each student’s individual needs and goals. 

In recognition of her work, the Yale Office of Undergraduate Admissions awarded Grace the “2023 Yale Educator Award,” as the sole awardee from Minnesota. In 2025, the nonprofit Colleges That Change Lives honored Grace as a “Counselor That Changes Lives.”

Grace earned her B.A. in Sociology/Anthropology and Art History from St. Olaf College. The highlight of her college experience was the support she received from professors who took the time to get to know her. 

Outside of work, you can find Grace exploring the Twin Cities’ beautiful parks, attending a musical, hosting friends to watch reality TV or playing with her dog (Ted) and cats (Dolly and Gertie).