Executive Director Jenn Tracz Grace: Married to a mission… and a great new wife!
It was a grand slam week. Her marriage to Andrea Grace. Adoption news about Alexis and Cameron. Then, word that CABO won NGLCC Chamber of the Year. Executive Director Jenn Tracz scores a lot of RBI’s each week, but these homeruns will always hold a special place in her heart. CABO Executive Director Jenn Tracz Grace, who has always excelled in sports, is passionate about anything she touches, both on and off the field. Recently, CABO went a few innings with her.
So you’re a married woman now…what was your wedding day like?
It’s pretty amazing to have married such a wonderful woman. Our wedding day went perfect! What was even more perfect about our wedding day is that we used almost all CABO members as vendors. We had an amazing photographer, videographers, sound and audio people, a DJ and all of the items with our names on it all came from CABO members. We also had the wonderful pleasure and honor of Lt. Governor, Nancy Wyman officiating our ceremony. She’s so wonderfully supportive of the community and CABO that she was the perfect person to do it for us.
And your children were in the ceremony, too?
They were! Lexi was our flower girl- enjoying every moment walking down the aisle in a big frilly dress. Cameron was our ring bearer, not quite graceful coming down the aisle swinging the pillow with our rings, but still perfect!
In Las Vegas, you and Dena accepted CABO’s Chamber of the Year Award, what was it like standing at the podium?
My first thought was don't throw up, followed by "wow these lights are bright!" All joking aside standing in front of such a large and captive audience was a highlight of my CABO career to date. To be recognized on a national scale for the work that we are doing in Connecticut is just amazing.
Jenn, as someone who has made such a strong impact since your arrival, what did it mean to you?
This award means a lot to me personally because it truly validates all of the hard work I put in. It is one thing to hear from my peers and members in CT that CABO is doing a great job, but it further validates you when you are receiving an award that is recognized on a national level. This award to me means that one day (in the distant future) when I may not be around my legacy is imprinted in the early days of CABO which helped shape and mold the organization.
When were you first bitten by the leadership bug?
I was always a leader and always had an entrepreneurial spirit. I remember from an early age wanting to own a business and recall times in elementary /middle school where I would rent out my books to people (for a nominal fee, of course). I've started several businesses and my first was when I was 17. Two friends and I had a landscaping business we appropriately called "Chicks with Sticks." It didn’t turn into a Fortune 500 or anything but it taught me a lot about business at an early age.
Where does you competiveness come from?
I was always pushed to try my best and do my best. Growing up my interests were primarily involved around sports. You name the sport and I had tried it. At the end of the day playing softball was the activity that took up the majority of my time, pitching on both the fast pitch and slow pitch team at the same time. I prefer quieter activities when possible these days and have an endless quest for knowledge.
What personal accomplishments mean the most to you?
I am very proud of is earning my Master’s degree. I took some time off between my undergraduate and graduate degree and it was just enough time because it helped me value the education so much more. I am also very proud to be a parent to two sweet and rambunctious children. They certainly tire me out but they bring a whole new aspect to life that I never knew existed.
And professionally?
Being CABO’s first executive director is something I hold near and dear. The first day I met Dena back in 2007, I told a friend of mine that I wanted to be CABO’s first ED, so the fact that I made it happen is something meaningful to me. I’m also proud that I was named one of Go Magazine’s top entrepreneurs in 2010. It’s wonderful to be recognized and rewarded for the hard work and effort that is put into the LGBT business equality movement.
What would people be surprised to know about you?
Well, I am a total dork (perhaps it is no surprise). I love almost anything that is on the History Channel, NatGeo, Science Channel, Weather Channel, etc. It’s quite sad really. If there is something about Atlantis, natural disasters or any other weather phenomenon, I’ve probably seen it! I attribute this to wanting to be a meteorologist growing up and then realizing how much math was involved and opting to get a degree in communications instead!
Wave your wand...where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I hope to be still working towards LGBT equality within the business movement. There is still a lot to be done and while we are fortunate enough to be in Connecticut where we have many equal protections, there are many others in this country who are not so fortunate. When an LGBT chamber of commerce one day is no longer needed because we all have equal rights, then we’ve done our job – until then, we will keep pushing on.
And what’s on your immediate radar?
On my immediate radar is CABO’s 4th anniversary, business expo and awards event. This is the first time we are doing an awards presentation and I’m very excited. We have three outstanding recipients of this award who are making an impact on the community in their own way. We also have many vendors signed up for tables at our expo and encourage anyone who hasn’t signed up yet for a table to let me know soon. The expo event draws in 125-175 attendees each year so we certainly hope you will be one of them (yes, I’m talking to you!)
October 18 from 6p-9p at the Inn at Middletown. 70 Main Street. It’s an absolutely free event we just ask that you RSVP on our website. www.thecabo.org and click the button in the center that says “RSVP for 10/18”
Dan Weaver (dan@barmontproductions.com) owns Barmont Productions, a LGBT certified Production Company, with his husband, Lee Moore. They specialize in videos for corporations, small companies, and non profits.
