Meet Grace Smith
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Grace Smith
Economic Development Coordinator Saginaw Future Inc. 515 N. Washington Avenue Saginaw, MI 48607 Office: (989) 757-2106 [email protected] www.saginawfuture.com |
Q: What year did you begin working at your company?
A: I started this past year, 2025, in April at Saginaw Future, the economic development organization for Saginaw County.
Q: When year did you join the YPN Steering Committee?
A: I just joined in 2026.
Q: What motivated you to join the YPN Steering Committee?
A: I joined the YPN Steering Committee because I want to play a more active role in shaping and supporting the community my organization represents. Having called this County home for most of my life, I’ve seen firsthand the amazing resources and people here. I want to contribute to initiatives that strengthen connections, foster growth, and make a meaningful impact for both young professionals and the broader community.
Q: What YPN event do you look forward to the most and why?
A: The CEO Mixer is the event I look forward to the most. The opportunity to gain insight from leaders across different industries and backgrounds is incredibly inspiring. It fuels my passion for Saginaw and motivates me to stay engaged and continue finding ways to be more involved and make a positive impact in the community.
Q: What’s your favorite way to build meaningful connections at YPN events—before, during, or after the event?
A: It really depends on the events. I find that most people are open to talking during the event, and you can always follow up afterward!
Q: How do you hope someone feels after attending their first YPN event?
A: I hope someone leaves their first YPN event feeling excited, not just about the new connections and opportunities they’ve made, but also about the future of our YPN and the County of Saginaw. There is so much momentum and positive energy in our community right now, and I want other YPs to feel inspired to get involved and be part of it.
Q: What’s one professional skill you’ve strengthened through your involvement with YPN?
A: Through YPN, I’ve strengthened my networking skills and gained confidence in starting conversations, even in settings where I don’t know anyone. It’s helped me connect more effectively with other young professionals and in other professional settings.
Q: What’s one moment during your time with YPN that made you feel especially connected to the group or the community?
A: It was my first YP event I went to. I was nervous, and having recently started my job, I knew almost no one. From the moment I stepped in, it felt like I'd been in the YPN for a long time; everyone was so friendly and helpful.
Q: What’s one habit or mindset that helps you balance career growth with community involvement?
A: One habit that really helps is being intentional about showing up and staying engaged. I’ve found that career growth and community involvement naturally support each other when you treat relationships as long-term partnerships rather than just professional opportunities. Being active in the community builds trust and strengthens connections, making your work more meaningful and impactful.
Q: What’s something outside of work that brings you energy or inspiration and helps you show up as a better leader?
A: Spending time in my garden is what really recharges me. At the house, I have both the perennial flowers and the small vegetable garden, which has become a true labor of love. It’s a little reminder that progress doesn’t always happen overnight.
Q: What’s a hidden gem in Saginaw County you enjoy recommending to other young professionals?
A: I mean, I love coffee, and it is not really a shock once you know me. I would have to say some of my favorites are Red Eye and Creation Coffee, both of which see me way too often!
Q: If your life had a theme song right now, what would it be and why?
A: One I have never gotten sick of is Vienna by Billy Joel. Specifically, when the song says, “You got your passion and pride, but don’t you know that only fools are satisfied.” The whole song is a reminder to pace yourself and balance your ambition with patience. Most importantly, value any type of growth, personal or professional, as everything meaningful takes time.
Published: January 2026
A: I started this past year, 2025, in April at Saginaw Future, the economic development organization for Saginaw County.
Q: When year did you join the YPN Steering Committee?
A: I just joined in 2026.
Q: What motivated you to join the YPN Steering Committee?
A: I joined the YPN Steering Committee because I want to play a more active role in shaping and supporting the community my organization represents. Having called this County home for most of my life, I’ve seen firsthand the amazing resources and people here. I want to contribute to initiatives that strengthen connections, foster growth, and make a meaningful impact for both young professionals and the broader community.
Q: What YPN event do you look forward to the most and why?
A: The CEO Mixer is the event I look forward to the most. The opportunity to gain insight from leaders across different industries and backgrounds is incredibly inspiring. It fuels my passion for Saginaw and motivates me to stay engaged and continue finding ways to be more involved and make a positive impact in the community.
Q: What’s your favorite way to build meaningful connections at YPN events—before, during, or after the event?
A: It really depends on the events. I find that most people are open to talking during the event, and you can always follow up afterward!
Q: How do you hope someone feels after attending their first YPN event?
A: I hope someone leaves their first YPN event feeling excited, not just about the new connections and opportunities they’ve made, but also about the future of our YPN and the County of Saginaw. There is so much momentum and positive energy in our community right now, and I want other YPs to feel inspired to get involved and be part of it.
Q: What’s one professional skill you’ve strengthened through your involvement with YPN?
A: Through YPN, I’ve strengthened my networking skills and gained confidence in starting conversations, even in settings where I don’t know anyone. It’s helped me connect more effectively with other young professionals and in other professional settings.
Q: What’s one moment during your time with YPN that made you feel especially connected to the group or the community?
A: It was my first YP event I went to. I was nervous, and having recently started my job, I knew almost no one. From the moment I stepped in, it felt like I'd been in the YPN for a long time; everyone was so friendly and helpful.
Q: What’s one habit or mindset that helps you balance career growth with community involvement?
A: One habit that really helps is being intentional about showing up and staying engaged. I’ve found that career growth and community involvement naturally support each other when you treat relationships as long-term partnerships rather than just professional opportunities. Being active in the community builds trust and strengthens connections, making your work more meaningful and impactful.
Q: What’s something outside of work that brings you energy or inspiration and helps you show up as a better leader?
A: Spending time in my garden is what really recharges me. At the house, I have both the perennial flowers and the small vegetable garden, which has become a true labor of love. It’s a little reminder that progress doesn’t always happen overnight.
Q: What’s a hidden gem in Saginaw County you enjoy recommending to other young professionals?
A: I mean, I love coffee, and it is not really a shock once you know me. I would have to say some of my favorites are Red Eye and Creation Coffee, both of which see me way too often!
Q: If your life had a theme song right now, what would it be and why?
A: One I have never gotten sick of is Vienna by Billy Joel. Specifically, when the song says, “You got your passion and pride, but don’t you know that only fools are satisfied.” The whole song is a reminder to pace yourself and balance your ambition with patience. Most importantly, value any type of growth, personal or professional, as everything meaningful takes time.
Published: January 2026
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