In inclusion

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In authenticity

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In leadership

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In belonging

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In allyship

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In wellbeing

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In equity

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In inclusion ▬ In authenticity ▬ In leadership ▬ In belonging ▬ In allyship ▬ In wellbeing ▬ In equity ▬

RISING INTO YOUR AUTHENTIC SELF

Born amidst civil unrest, in a mud hut in the Congo, to a young mother, I have had to rise from the adversity and time again. I’m not supposed to be here, yet through divine intervention and learning to tap into my purpose, I’ve learned to rise.

My passion and prioritization for diversity, equity and inclusion stems from growing up in a homogenous area where I longed for belonging and acceptance.

After coming out as LGBTQ and randomly stumbling upon the existence of my biological mother after believing she was dead throughout my entire life, I then understood the importance of authenticity and inclusion and followed suit in my career.

  • "Graci’s keynote was motivating, thought-provoking and passionate. She inspired us to feel empowered to reach our full potential despite the obstacles. Her presentation created space for continued conversation on diversity, equity and inclusion in the world and the workplace to help transform any organization into an inclusive culture where everyone is valued."

    — GE

  • "Graci is a passionate, compassionate, and energizing speaker. Her ability to connect with her audience and successfully unpack a really difficult and emotionally-charged topic in a way that’s absolutely relatable to the entire room is nothing short of amazing."

    — Tyson Foods

  • “Graci was able to connect with the hearts and minds of our employees at all levels in an approachable and helpful way. I would recommend partnering with her to anyone!”

    — Kent Power

  • "By far the best keynote presenter I have heard. Graci Harkema, speaking on living your truth—She brought me to tears, yet I felt so motivated and empowered through her story."

    — MichBusiness Women Thrive Conference

  • “Graci brings an open and personal touch to the deep process of diving into difficult topics. It’s in this 'safe space' that we were able to learn, grow and change.”

    — Grand Rapids Community Media Center

  • “Wow! Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us. Your workshop is very powerful. I tend to think about diversity in terms of race, gender and age, but you opened up that definition for me today, as well as the broader idea of bias.”

    — Area Agency on Aging of West Michigan

  • “Graci understands our category, but more importantly, she simply understands people. She consults with patience, confidence and encouragement. She very quickly became an engaged part of our team."

    — Deschutes Brewery

RISING

From a Mud Hut to the Boardroom—and Back Again

An identity that spans the globe.
In this astonishing memoir, Graci Harkema revisits her experience growing up as an adoptee from the Congo in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She traces her path to claiming and living her own story, becoming a successful consultant on diversity, equity and inclusion, racial justice, LGBTQ+ equality, and women in business.

Hardcover, eBook & Audiobook available now wherever books are sold!

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