Grace Rodriguez is a dynamic force for positive change, dedicated to empowering visionaries and change-makers to leave their mark on the world. With a diverse background in the public and private sectors, including leadership roles at TED, Station Houston, and on Mayor-appointed boards for the City of Houston and Harris County, Grace tirelessly works to help people transform their ideas into thriving ventures. Her experience across design, community, and startup ecosystems led her to co-found Impact Hub Houston, a locally rooted, globally connected entrepreneur incubator and impact innovation catalyst.At Impact Hub Houston, Grace and her team empower diverse innovators to tackle society's most pressing challenges, and build inclusive and equitable entrepreneurial ecosystems to support them. They are part of the Impact Hub Global Network, recognized by the United Nations as the world's largest community dedicated to accelerating solutions for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Collaborating with 120+ Impact Hubs across 68 countries, and leading the Impact Hub North America region, Impact Hub Houston offers a welcoming community, tailored programs, and international resources to help local entrepreneurs drive change.Grace is more than just a leader; she’s a mentor, guiding diverse startups in various accelerator and entrepreneurship programs. Her passion extends beyond Houston through active participation in international initiatives like the Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs, Kauffman ESHIP National Resource Providers, the Global Entrepreneurship Network, and Climathon.Currently serving on the boards of the Houston Office of Business Opportunity and Harris Central Appraisal District (HCAD), Grace has an impressive portfolio of roles, including leadership in the City of Houston’s Women & Minority Business Task Force, Opportunity Zones Task Force, and Mayor’s Innovation & Technology Advisory Committee, and as the driving force behind TEDxHouston, Code for Houston, The Houston Innovation Summit, and Women in Tech: Houston. Grace's work speaks for itself, earning her recognition as an Outstanding Leader by the Houston Business Journal, Innovation Map, and Houston Exponential. She's not just a leader; she walks the talk, regularly rolling up her sleeves to show that, with determination and vision, we can shape a better world. Grace Rodriguez is the embodiment of how one person's dedication and vision can create a profound impact on society, proving that positive change is not just a possibility – it's a reality within our grasp.