Affectionately known as First Name “Ms.” Middle Name “Period” Last Name “Gray,” she is a proud U.S. Army veteran who served during Desert Storm and Desert Shield. With over a decade of experience in higher education and currently serving as the Director of the Military and Veteran Center, Ms. Gray leads transformative initiatives that support student veterans in their transition from military service to academic and civilian success.
Her advocacy is deeply rooted in honoring the service and sacrifice of all veterans, with a special focus on the unique challenges faced by female soldiers. Through pioneering programs such as Served Like a Girl, SHeroes, and Rosie the Riveter, she has elevated the voices of women in uniform and created platforms for visibility, healing, and empowerment.
Ms. Gray’s federal government experience as a Project Manager and Mod Manager sharpened her leadership and operational skills, but it is her heart for service that defines her work. She is passionate about giving voice to the voiceless, mentoring student veterans, and building inclusive support systems that recognize the full spectrum of military experience.
Outside of her professional life, Ms. Gray is a devoted mother to two children, a son and a daughter, who inspire her commitment to education, equity, and community. She enjoys reading, playing golf, assisting those in need, and creating spaces where veterans are honored not just in ceremony, but in opportunity.
2 topics · no fee, no honorarium, no mileage
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Many people will experience trauma or overwhelming stress at some point in their lives, but far too often, they believe they must endure those struggles in silence. In this compassionate and practical session, Gray explores how leaders, mentors, and community members can recognize the hidden weight that individuals carry and offer support that restores hope, dignity, and connection.
Grounded in her lived experience as a survivor of Military Sexual Trauma (MST) and her work in mental health advocacy, Gray illustrates how intentional and trauma-informed leadership helps people feel safe enough to speak, heal, and be heard. Participants learn how to create environments rooted in psychological safety, empathy, and empowerment, spaces where individuals who feel voiceless can begin to reclaim their confidence and agency.
Through real stories, reflective engagement, and practical tools, attendees discover concrete ways to show support, validate lived experiences, and connect individuals with resources that foster resilience and recovery. Participants leave with a renewed understanding that while trauma touches many lives, no one’s story ends in silence, and leaders can play a powerful role in helping others find their voice again.
Many people believe that leadership is only about guiding others, but the most effective leaders also know how to follow. In this engaging and practical session, Gray explores the essential principle that great leadership requires humility, teachability, and the willingness to receive guidance from peers, mentors, and the communities one serves.
Gray illustrates how leaders can develop emotional intelligence, reflective practice, and collaborative decision-making by learning when to step back, listen carefully, and allow others to contribute. Participants discover how reciprocal leadership strengthens teams, enhances cultural humility, and improves outcomes in mental health, education, and community-based work.
Through discussion, real-life examples, and interactive engagement, attendees learn how embracing vulnerability can be a source of strength and how modeling adaptive, grounded leadership inspires trust and lasting impact. Participants leave with actionable strategies for fostering collaboration, deepening self-awareness, and leading in ways that empower both themselves and those around them.
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