Today we’d like to introduce you to Teresa Grady.
Hi Teresa, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Originally from England, I moved to the United States with my family as a teenager. My early career began in accounting, followed by several years at home raising my children. When I returned to the workforce, I transitioned into administrative roles, where I developed a strong appreciation for systems, structure, and the behind-the-scenes work that allows organizations to operate effectively.
In 2009, our church began volunteering with a newly formed nonprofit, 6 Stones Mission Network. I served on home repair projects and in the organization’s Christmas program. What immediately resonated with me was the way 6 Stones intentionally brought the entire community together—cities, schools, businesses, nonprofits, churches, and individual volunteers—working side by side to serve neighbors in practical and dignified ways. In 2012, I applied for an opening at 6 Stones and joined the organization as an administrator in the Community Powered Revitalization department, working directly on homes in local cities.
Over time, I took on increasing leadership responsibility, eventually becoming Director of Community Powered Revitalization and, in 2020, Chief Operating Officer. Along the way, I learned that effective nonprofit leadership requires both empathy and discipline. Caring deeply about people must be matched with strong systems, clear decision-making, and high standards. I’m particularly focused on translating vision into execution—ensuring programs can grow and adapt without losing the dignity and excellence that define our work.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
One of my earliest challenges came at age fifteen, when I moved to the United States from England. I was shy, and everything felt unfamiliar—from the food and the school system to the accents, social norms, and even the extreme Texas heat. Navigating adolescence in a new country made that first year especially difficult. What made the difference were a few meaningful connections with girls my age at school and church, which gave me a sense of belonging and stability. That experience continues to shape my perspective today, helping me relate with empathy to many of the families we serve at 6 Stones who are new to this country and finding their footing.
One personal challenge that affected me professionally, was overcoming my fear of public speaking. As an introvert, presenting to city councils and large groups did not come naturally. Rather than avoiding those moments, I chose to lean into them and found that I genuinely enjoy advocating for our mission and sharing the stories of the people we serve. That experience shaped my leadership style and reinforced the importance of stepping into discomfort when it serves a greater purpose.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Today, 6 Stones operates seven core programs designed to address both immediate needs and long-term stability: the New Hope Center, a client-choice food pantry; Momentum, a mentoring program for adults working to break the cycle of poverty; Generations, which mentors high school seniors as they plan their post-graduation paths; Community Powered Revitalization, providing home repairs for qualified homeowners; Night of Hope, a Christmas program for families with children on Free and Reduced lunch; Operation Back to School, which provides backpacks and school supplies to the same population; and LIGA HEB, a soccer league for at-risk middle school boys. My role is to ensure these programs are run with operational excellence and that every neighbor we serve is treated with dignity.
While we will always respond to urgent, short-term needs, I am most proud of our ability to help individuals move from crisis toward stability and long-term restoration. Momentum, supported by intentional case management, plays a central role in that effort. What truly distinguishes 6 Stones is our capacity to mobilize entire communities at scale—aligning public, private, and nonprofit partners around shared solutions for neighbors who need support.
In 2026, more than 9,000 volunteers helped us serve over 49,000 neighbors across our community.
How do you think about luck?
Throughout my life and career, I’m convinced that God has been actively at work—opening doors, sustaining me through challenges, and extending grace in seasons of growth and uncertainty. My goal is to represent Him with integrity in both my personal life and my professional leadership, regardless of circumstances. Looking ahead, I remain deeply committed to building systems and partnerships that allow communities not just to meet immediate needs, but to create pathways toward lasting stability and Hope.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.6stones.org
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/6stones
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teresagrady
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/6stonesmission
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/company/6stones
Image Credits
All pics are owned by 6 Stones.
