Hi, I’m GRACI!

public Speaker & best-selling Author

International, inspirational public speaker and best-selling author inspiring all of us to rise in authenticity, inclusion, and belonging.

Rising to live & work more authentically

International, inspirational public speaker and best-selling author, passionate about helping us all to live authentically, build inclusion, and find belonging.

We live in a society where we are pressured to assimilate to other’s expectations, while feeling strained to shove what we are going through under the rug.

Most of us are on a journey most others of us know nothing about. I’m grateful to have worked with incredible leaders in my life, therefore inclusive leadership is a strong passion of mine. When we are our authentic selves, in an inclusive environment, we are able to be our best selves and do our best work.

When we are our authentic selves, living and leading our purpose, our power is limitless.

My Story

I was born in a mud hut in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, amidst civil unrest. After having a life expectancy of 12-24 hours, I was adopted by an American missionary family. Divine intervention gave me the opportunity to not just survive, but thrive. Moving to a homogenous area in the United States, while hiding my identity, I struggled to fit in and feel accepted in the world around me.

I wasted so much energy seeking the approval and acceptance of others. I learned belonging doesn’t mean assimilating to other’s expectations. Belonging means accepting and loving yourself for who you are.

My BIO

Graci Harkema is an international, inspirational public speaker and best-selling author of her memoir, Rising: From a Mud Hut to the Boardroom—and Back Again. Her work with Fortune 500 companies to small businesses inspires all to rise in authenticity, inclusion, and belonging. She has been featured global media outlets including Forbes, Harvard Business Review, and NBC. Crain's Grand Rapids Business has recognized Harkema as a two-time 40 Under Forty Business Leader in West Michigan, one of the 50 Most Influential Women in West Michigan, and five-time 200 Most Influential Business Leaders in West Michigan. A graduate in communications from Grand Valley State University, Harkema enjoys giving back to the community by volunteering with local boards and organizations.

My Credentials

  • Bachelor’s degree in Communications, emphasis on Public Relations, Grand Valley State University

  • More than 10 years of corporate experience in diversity, equity & inclusion, leadership, and development.

Business Awards from Crain’s Grand Rapids Business:

  • 2024 - 200 Most Powerful Business Leaders of West Michigan

  • 2023 - 200 Most Powerful Business Leaders of West Michigan

  • 2022 - 50 Most Influential Women in West Michigan

  • 2022 - 200 Most Powerful Business Leaders of West Michigan

  • 2021 - 200 Most Powerful Business Leaders of West Michigan

  • 2020 - 200 Most Powerful Business Leaders of West Michigan

  • 2020 - 40 Under Forty Business Leaders of West Michigan

  • 2015 - 40 Under Forty Business Leaders of West Michigan

RISING

From a Mud Hut to the Boardroom—
and Back Again

In this astonishing memoir, Graci Harkema revisits her experience growing up as an adoptee from the Congo in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She traces her path to claiming and living her own story, becoming a successful consultant on diversity, equity and inclusion, LGBTQ+ equality, and women in business.

Hardcover, eBook & audiobook available now wherever books are sold!