Grace Festa

Grace serves as the Research and Communications Specialist, fielding questions for prospective and existing clients as well as handling a variety of communications assignments such as development of marketing materials, blogs, newsletters and social media. The multifaceted nature of the job is what keeps things interesting for Grace. “I enjoy performing a variety of tasks. Everyday I’m learning and contributing something different.”

Grace started as an intern for the Partnership in 2009 while completing the Master in Urban and Regional Planning degree program at Virginia Commonwealth University. She was hired as a full-time employee in 2011. Grace says that the impact GRP has on the community is what influenced her decision to work for the organization.

Grace earned a bachelor’s degree in both German and Spanish while studying at the University of Connecticut. After finishing her undergraduate education, she worked in real estate appraisal for several years before deciding to return to school. “It was the right time to leave the real estate industry, and I wanted to get my master’s degree in a career field that would allow me to benefit the community.”

A native of Connecticut, Grace moved to Richmond in 2005 and it took no time at all before she considered herself a true Richmonder. She enjoys the educational opportunities, the easy lifestyle and the never-ending entertainment options the region has to offer. “With all of the festivals and events in Richmond, there is always something to do, and it’s surprisingly affordable to live here. My friends up north are jealous!”

Grace loves to soak up the culture and check out all of the interesting restaurants and local businesses in Richmond. She enjoys travelling as well, having been to 20 different countries. Grace has lived in Spain and Germany, but now she resides in Henrico with her husband, Joe, and her Havana Silk Dog, Ruby.