Grace Gbolo joined McKnight in September 2023 as a program and grants associate for Grants & Program Operations, the team that provides the grantmaking and program operations structure, resources, and expertise needed to advance overall program results. In this role, Grace supports all aspects of the grantmaking process for Global Collaboration for Resilient Food Systems grantee partners.
Most recently, Grace was the grants program manager at Mary’s Pence, which provides funding and support for women’s social justice organizations working in the United States. Prior to that she served with the Peace Corps in Zambia, encouraging sustainable growing techniques, facilitating discussions within the community about dietary diversity, and aiding local farmers. She spent years teaching English abroad and engaging within communities. Grace has also been involved in after-school curriculum development and youth and community advocacy work. She is excited to apply her range of skills in grant administration, racial equity, community engagement, environmental justice, science education, and urban farming to her role at McKnight.
Grace has a bachelor of science in geography from the University of Minnesota, and has certifications in professional project management from University of St. Thomas and in grants management from PEAK Grantmaking. She was born and raised in Saint Paul and went to Central High School. Grace has a passion for food, farming, community, and travel, and enjoys reading and doing puzzles in her down time. During the warmer seasons, you can find her gardening, biking along the river, or walking along a trail.