Meet Ali and Heather...

With Purpose and Passion!

Meet Ali and Heather…

I love it when you instantly know in your heart that you are meeting someone whose story you can’t wait to hear! This happened to me late February when two shining stars walked into 6th & Broadway. I anticipated from a prior phone conversation with Ali that I was soon to meet a powerfully passionate person. Then upon meeting Heather, Ali’s copilot, I perceived a double sense of purpose and determination.

What are these two beautiful women up to? 

It’s quite amazing!

Let me share their story in the context of 6th & Broadway’s Liverpool Jeans International Women's Day Campaign where Women Shine Brighter When Stars Align. 

Giving Grace MN has been selected by our 6th & B Team to be our boutique’s collaborative partner. Our purpose is to align with Ali and Heather and help strengthen the community impact of their new nonprofit initiative.

I hope I have you curious! 

What is Giving Grayce MN all about?

 Let’s take a deeper look into the stars behind Giving Grayce MN:

Ali’s purpose:

“My purpose has always centered around people, showing up for others during the moments that matter most. With a background in criminal justice and a minor in psychology, I’ve spent years learning how powerful compassion, advocacy, and community support can be. I have worked with families and individuals in crisis over the last 5 years. My education and professional experience have given me practical tools, but it’s my life experiences that have shaped my heart.”

“The driving force behind Giving Grayce MN is deeply personal. Through both joyful and challenging seasons, I’ve seen firsthand how much families and youth need steady, reliable support, not just in crisis, but in everyday life. I felt called to create something that bridges gaps, brings hope, and reminds people they are not alone.”

“For me, this initiative isn’t just a project, it’s a mission rooted in empathy, support, and action. I want every young person we serve to feel seen, valued, and supported.”

Heather’s purpose:

“My purpose has always been rooted in connection, compassion, and the belief that every young person deserves to feel seen, valued, and supported. Throughout my life and career, I’ve been driven by a deep desire to help others rise—especially youth who may not yet see the strength and potential within themselves.”

“My background blends psychology, mentorship, community involvement, and a lifelong commitment to service. Over the years, I’ve worked closely with young people and families, listening to their stories, celebrating their victories, and walking with them through challenges. Those experiences revealed something unmistakable: too many kids go without the encouragement, consistency, and safe spaces they need in order to thrive.”

“That realization is the driving force behind my new initiative. I am passionate about creating an environment where youth are not only welcomed but truly known—where they can build resilience, discover who they are, and dream bigger than their circumstances. My education and professional journey have given me tools, but it’s my heart for young people that fuels this mission every day.”

“With Rising Together, Leading Tomorrow—Because your story is just the beginning as my guiding belief, I am committed to helping young people rise into their potential, become leaders within their communities, and build the futures they deserve. This work is not just a project for me—it’s my purpose, my calling, and the legacy I am dedicated to creating.”

What Ali and Heather want you to know about Giving Grayce MN:

Giving Grayce MN was created from a place of love, resilience, and a desire to make a tangible difference. We are more than an organization, we are a community built on compassion and action.

We want others to know:

• We are committed to meeting real needs in real time.
  
• Every act of support, big or small, makes an impact.
  
• Our slogan is “Rising Together, Leading Tomorrow - Because Your Story is Just The Beginning” because we believe in walking alongside youth not just offering temporary help, but lasting encouragement.
  
• Grace is at the center of everything we do.
  
  

Our goal is to create a ripple effect, when one young adult is supported, an entire community grows stronger. 

Giving Grayce MN contact info: 

phone: (320)200-2132 or email ali@givinggrayce.org  

Ali and Heather welcome others to become a part of their community by volunteering and/or contributing financially to ensure program and event success.

Now let’s put a fashion perspective to our two shining stars…

Styling Ali and Heather began with a Color Analysis session by Mel and an opportunity to explore Liverpool styles with Marissa. What appealed to them was confirmed by their signature style statements.

Ali is a passionate, calm advocate!

Heather is a compassionate, determined collaborator!

Together they are unstoppable!

I bet at this point you might be wondering how Ali and Heather met? When I asked, Ali shared this beautiful response…

“Heather and I met seven years ago when she was my supervisor at Plus Kids in Alexandria. I had the privilege of working under her leadership for nearly five years, and those years were incredibly formative for me. Heather was truly the best supervisor I could have asked for. She challenged me, supported me, and stood beside me through every stage of my professional growth. Her leadership, determination, and steady guidance helped shape the trajectory of my career in ways I’ll always be grateful for.

Eventually, we both moved in different professional directions. After some time, I found myself ready for a change of pace and inspired by a new idea. Heather was the first person I thought to call. I asked her what she thought about the concept and whether she would consider being part of the journey with me.

We met for lunch not long after. I showed up with a notebook full of ideas, vision, and a lot of excitement. That conversation sparked something special, and from there, the rest is history.” 

In closing... I leave you with this message from Ali and Heather:

“At Giving Grayce MN, our driving force is simple: to make people feel seen, supported, and never alone. The impact we strive for isn’t just in what we give, it’s in how we show up and the lasting feeling of grace and compassion we leave behind.”