Victoria Henley is a passionate advocate for empowerment through creativity, cultural appreciation, and personal development. With a Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Business from Columbia College Chicago, Victoria developed a well-rounded foundation in creative expression and the art of helping others feel confident in how they show up and thrive. She also holds certifications in Data Analytics, Etiquette for Teens, Business Etiquette and Professionalism, Ultimate Mind Confidence, and Personal Branding.

With over a decade of experience in the fashion industry, Victoria has worked with notable retail brands as a personal stylist, helping clients build confidence and refine their own unique style. She is also the author of Body By V: Self-Love & Body Positivity, a guided journal designed to help women embrace their body types, cultivate self-acceptance, and build unshakable confidence through affirmations, prompts, and practical tools for mental wellness.

Victoria’s dedication to youth development and mentorship is rooted in her time teaching students and the values instilled by her mother, a community pillar and former Director of the Boys & Girls Club. It was also her mother who enrolled her in etiquette classes as a young girl, sparking a lifelong appreciation for refinement, self-presentation, and poise. As the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Grow with Grace Foundation, Victoria now carries these early lessons forward by leading programs that inspire the next generation to grow in grace, confidence, and purpose.

Victoria continues to inspire others to embrace their full potential with purpose and passion, she’s a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. In her leisure, she enjoys golf, explores art galleries, and reflects through journaling.

Driven by a personal mission to encourage and foster confidence, initiative, and informed decision-making in girls and young women, Kacey Henley co-founded Grow with Grace Foundation with Victoria Henley and serves as its Program Director. She is a Chicago native with a passion for personal development and growth. Her ambition is to address the challenges faced by girls and young women, filtering a myriad of influences, and expectations, to help them make the healthiest choices for themselves.

A lover of the arts, she has helped teach communication skills, as well as anti-harassment, and anti-bullying techniques through theatre and improv. Kacey earned both English and Marketing & Management degrees from Duke University. Prior to Duke, she attended St. Mark’s School in Southborough, MA as a proud recipient of the Daniel Murphy Scholarship. Kacey also has her certification in Business Etiquette and Professionalism.

Kacey credits her family, especially her mother and grandmother with instilling a deep respect for education, creativity, and service to others. They were and are a never ending well of inspiration and encouragement. Without their lessons and guidance as a foundation, this Foundation would not be possible. Kacey has also worked in marketing & events, arts & entertainment, and in nonprofit settings addressing fair housing.

In her leisure, she enjoys travel, wanders through museums, and explores new destinations, cuisines, and cultures.

Keli Change is a seasoned professional with over 15 years of experience in sales, marketing, and event planning. Keli’s passion for creativity and celebration led her to establish PärdēPress, a modern stationery company with a unique mission. Under her leadership as the CEO and Creative Director, PärdēPress is dedicated to reminding women that there are countless reasons to celebrate beyond traditional milestones like weddings and babies. The company encourages women to honor all achievements and moments of joy, no matter how big or small.

Thanks to Keli’s vision and leadership, PärdēPress products are now sold in gift shops across 10 states, showcasing her ability to grow and sustain a brand in a competitive market. Her commitment to spreading positivity and celebration has resonated with a wide audience, making PärdēPress a cherished brand among many.

Keli’s creative and business perspective is grounded in her education at The Illinois Institute of Art, where she developed a foundation in design, branding, and visual storytelling. Her work reflects her personal philosophy that every woman deserves to be celebrated, and she strives to embody this belief both professionally and personally.

Keli is not only a business leader, but also an advocate for women’s empowerment and personal development. She believes in creating opportunities for women to express themselves and celebrate their lives fully. Her work reflects her personal philosophy that every woman deserves to be celebrated and she strives to embody this belief both professionally and personally.

As the Chair of Grow with Grace’s Board, Keli expertly helps to guide the foundation’s mission and mentorship by tapping into her extensive experience running a successful brand. She brings her corporate and creative expertise as well as her deep commitment to uplifting and improving the lives of women. Keli continues to inspire those around her with her dedication to her craft and her unwavering commitment to celebrating life in all its forms.

In her leisure, she enjoys Pilates and journaling as a way to center self-care. Keli is also a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., which further reflects her lifelong commitment to sisterhood, service, and excellence.

Nakiyah Matthews, a proud Chicago West Side native, is a passionate educator, mentor, and advocate for youth empowerment. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Acting from Columbia College Chicago and her Master of Education in Educational Policy, Organization, and Leadership from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and holds certifications in Etiquette for Children and Teens.

As a 6th grade English Language Arts teacher, Nakiyah inspires her students to think critically, write creatively, and believe in their potential. Her dedication extends beyond the classroom, she actively mentors the youth and fosters growth through education and etiquette. Deeply committed to her community, she is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Nakiyah embodies the values of service, scholarship, and sisterhood. As Co-Chair of the Grow with Grace Foundation, she supports the strategic vision of the organization and helps lead efforts that empower girls and young women through leadership, education, and personal development.

In her leisure, Nakiyah prioritizes health and wellness, enjoys reading and cherishes quality time with family and friends. Her commitment to education, mentorship, and community impact continues to drive her efforts in shaping a brighter future for the next generation.

A proud Southside Chicago native, Ariel Patterson serves as the Secretary of Grow with Grace Foundation, where her dedication to organization, communication, and impact plays a vital role advancing the foundation’s mission. Ariel graduated from Perspectives Calumet High School of Technology and earned her Bachelor of Science in Media & Cinema Studies from the University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign and began her career in commercial real estate, gaining valuable experience over five years before transitioning into IT as a Product Support Analyst.

Beyond her professional endeavors, she is passionate about fostering creativity, education, and representation. She actively supports Black indie authors, using her platform to highlight their work and create meaningful book content.

In her leisure, Ariel enjoys spending time with family and friends, staying active, reading, and expressing her creativity through diamond art. She is also deeply passionate about uplifting Black indie authors, using her platform to create engaging book content that highlights their work. An avid reader, Ariel finds inspiration in storytelling, with My Choice is You by Mel Dau, as one of her favorites. Guided by words of Alice Walker: “Whenever you are creating beauty around you, you are restoring your own soul,” Ariel brings a spirit of dedication and excellence to both her professional and her service.