Victoria Henley is a passionate advocate for empowerment through creativity, cultural appreciation, and financial literacy. With a Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Business from Columbia College Chicago, she brings a well-rounded approach and blends her expertise in fashion, finance, and personal development to help others thrive. Victoria also holds certifications in Etiquette for Teens, Business Etiquette and Professionalism, Ultimate Mind Confidence, and Personal Branding.

With over 12 years of experience in the fashion industry, Victoria has worked with notable luxury retail brands and 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 cultivate self-acceptance, embrace their body types, and build unshakable confidence. Through reflective prompts, affirmations, and practical exercises, the journal supports mental wellness, encourages personal growth, and overall well-being.

As a Financial Specialist with over 10 years of experience, Victoria is dedicated to empowering individuals and families to reduce debt, plan for retirement, and protect their income. She emphasizes the importance of financial check-ups to build security and lasting wealth for future generations. Her approach aligns with biblical principles, highlighting diligent planning, and stewardship as key to financial well-being.

Victoria’s dedication to youth development and mentorship is rooted in her experience teaching middle school students and the values instilled by her mother, a pillar in their community and former Director of the Boys & Girls Club. These early lessons continue to inspire her work today as the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Grow with Grace Foundation. She remains committed to fostering growth, confidence, and opportunity for girls and young women. Through her leadership, she is dedicated to mentoring the next generation of empowered leaders. A proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., she continues to inspire others and help them embrace their full potential with purpose and passion at the forefront. In her leisure, Victoria enjoys tennis, visiting art galleries, and 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 loves to travel, wander museums, and explore 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 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 Grow with Grace’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.

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.

Outside of her professional life, 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.

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 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 Treasurer of Grow with Grace Foundation, she plays a vital role in ensuring financial stewardship and supporting the organization’s mission of empowering girls and young women.

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.