At SWLI, we are guided by visionary leadership and supported by trusted advisors who bring wisdom, creativity, and expertise from across disciplines.
Together, we cultivate authentic, resilient, and holistic leadership.
Founder & CEO, Shifting Waters Leadership Institute
Global Leadership Advisor • Coach • Speaker • Consultant & Writer
A Tentmaker Inspiring Transformation by Leading from the Inside Out
Education:
Master of Public Health | Health Behavior & Health Education | University of Michigan | Ann Arbor, Michigan
Master of Social Work | Social Policy and Evaluation | University of Michigan | Ann Arbor, Michigan
Bachelor of Science | Psychology | University of Wisconsin | River Falls, Wisconsin
Certifications and Licenses:
Strategic Leadership & Change, London School of Business and Finance at London
Certified Coach, GoMaster, ACC ICF Training Program
International Development & Social Change , Middlebury, Institute of International Studies at Monterey
Leadership in 21st Century Organizations, Copenhagen Business School
Awards & Honors:
One Team One Mission, Chickasaw Nation Industries
Educational Association Opportunity Achiever
TRIO Achiever, State of Wisconsin
Outstanding Women of Color in Education, University of Wisconsin
Ronald E. McNair Scholar, University of Wisconsin–River Falls
Chancellor’s Award Recipient, University of Wisconsin–River Falls
AmeriCorps Service Award
Grace is an award-winning global speaker, advisor, coach, and consultant with over a decade of experience shaping transformational change across 30+ countries in Africa, the Americas, and Asia. Her work bridges strategy and soul—guiding leaders and organizations to design sustainable, people-centered pathways that create measurable and lasting impact.
A modern-day tentmaker—balancing professional excellence with vocational purpose—Grace weaves together vision and vocation, conviction and craft. Rooted in integrity and sustained by purpose, her leadership integrates international relations, organizational strategy, emotional intelligence, and responsible management into a holistic approach that elevates both people and institutions.
Known for building bridges across cultures and contexts, Grace walks alongside leaders as advisor, coach, mentor, and partner—empowering them to lead from the inside out with courage, wholeness, and clarity. Her deepest aim is to awaken a kind of leadership that not only achieves but transforms; leadership that leaves the world stronger, more ethical, and more human.
Director of Wellness and Advisor
Funmi has been a counselor at heart from a very young age, always driven by a deep desire to help others. She began her journey in early childhood education but soon realized her passion lay in addressing deeper emotional and spiritual needs. In 2013, she earned dual master’s degrees in Counseling and Theology from Mercer University.
A licensed mental health counselor with over 15 years of experience, Funmi has worked across a variety of settings—primarily within ministry contexts—serving individuals of all ages and life stages. Her counseling experience spans residential programs, church settings, private practice, and managing her own counseling practice in Georgia. In each role, she has provided individual counseling, taught classes, led groups, and contributed to program development and evaluation.
Notably, Funmi pioneered the counseling department at the International House of Prayer (IHOP) and enhanced the quality of programming at a transitional home in Georgia.
Currently, Funmi serves as the interim associate director for a women’s residential program. In this role, she is dedicated to providing compassionate care and support that fosters deep and lasting transformation. She is known for creating a safe and supportive environment where clients feel heard and valued, and she isn’t afraid to speak the truth in love to encourage genuine change.
Outside of work, Funmi enjoys traveling and discovering new cultures. To recharge, she loves taking long walks by the river or through Central Park.
Advisor for External partnerships, Strategy, and Engagement
I am passionate about creating authentic spaces where creativity, meaning, and depth meet. With a foundation in strategic transformation and business process optimization, I bring experience in guiding organizations and individuals beyond perceived limitations. My strengths include collaborative problem-solving, leading cross-functional teams, and fostering inclusive environments.
At SWLI, I’m committed not just to strategy, but to nurturing genuine connections and supporting soul-centered growth. Through volunteer leadership and mentoring, I strive to empower others, bridge divides, and inspire collective impact. Driven by curiosity and empathy, I champion purposeful action and believe lasting change happens when we challenge comfort and embrace possibility. I am honored to contribute to SWLI’s mission as both a strategist and an advocate for meaningful transformation.
Interior Architectural Designer and Branding Advisor
Mariah Stearman has a background in Interior Architecture and Design and is a creative strategist who blends storytelling, experiential design and nature inspired concepts. As both an interior architectural designer and branding advisor, she helps shape spaces and identities that are intentional, timeless, and deeply connected to people and place. With experience bridging design and branding, Mariah brings a holistic perspective ensuring every project is authentic, enduring, and aligned with its purpose.
Executive and Administrative Assistant
I’ve been a virtual assistant for almost five years, and in that time, I’ve found so much joy in helping business owners lighten their load and focus on what matters most. I’m passionate, driven, and truly committed to giving my best in everything I do. Hard work and dedication are at the heart of how I show up for the people I support. I’m especially excited to be part of SWLI because the way the business operates feels so aligned with how I work. Having a boss like Grace, who leads with respect, understanding, and a whole lot of enthusiasm, makes all the difference. It’s inspiring, and it pushes me to show up every day with the same energy and dedication.

The Shifting Waters Leadership Institute develops leaders who lead with wholeness, integrity, accountability, and purpose. Rooted in the belief that every person is made in the image of God—the Imago Dei—SWLI cultivates communities where leaders grow together and inspire lasting change.
1108 E Main St
#2436 Ste 90,
Richmond, Virgina
United States – 23219
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