Griselda “Gris” Bailey is a seasoned executive with over 15 years of experience leading
initiatives that drive economic mobility. With a strong foundation in social
entrepreneurship, nonprofit management, and startup growth, Gris brings a distinctive,
results-driven approach shaped by her diverse background in law, education, and
business development.

Most recently, Gris served as President and CEO of the Latin American Chamber of
Commerce of Charlotte (LACCC), where she played a transformative role in advancing
the organization’s mission, brand, and strategic impact. During her tenure, she led the
development and execution of a bold five-year strategic plan that introduced three
innovative initiatives focused on economic development and upward mobility,
galvanizing regional support and urgency.

One of the most defining moments of Gris’ leadership was spearheading a landmark
$5.5 million investment from county, city, and corporate partners, an unprecedented
collaboration that led to the acquisition of a 9-acre site. This visionary project will
become Spark Centro, a state-of-the-art hub designed to ignite entrepreneurship,
elevate workforce development, and serve as a model for the power of strategic public-
private partnerships.

Before transitioning to nonprofit leadership, Gris spent 11 years leading and scaling a
private college planning firm, launching locations across the U.S. and achieving record-
breaking success. Her professional career began as an educator in the Los Angeles
Unified School District, where she earned a master’s degree in Cross-Cultural
Education. She later earned her Juris Doctorate from Thomas Jefferson School of Law
and completed executive certifications in Entrepreneurship, Business Administration,
and Management from Cornell University.

Gris is deeply committed to actionable strategies that challenge systemic barriers. Her
overarching mission is to reform structures that fail to serve or uplift communities, and
she is recognized for her bold vision, innovative mindset, and relentless drive to deliver
results that create lasting impact.

Gris’s work has earned her national and regional acclaim. She has been inducted into
the Cesar Chavez Hall of Fame, received the National Empowering Latina Award,
and was named among South Charlotte’s 100 Most Powerful Women and the
Charlotte Business Journal Power 100.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Gris is a proud mother raising two sons with
the values of resilience, equity, and service, instilling in them a legacy of breaking down
barriers through positive ideas and inclusive leadership.

Fun Fact: Gris finds joy in Contemporary Christian and rap music, as well as outdoor
activities like hiking and swimming. She is also an avid traveler who values cultural
exchange and exploration.