We’re looking forward to introducing you to Hillary Gramm. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Hillary, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: When was the last time you felt true joy?
My five-year-old daughter, Juniper, has become my mailbox buddy. I pull her in the wagon and we venture off to the post-office. Adventures find us on our 3 mile round-trip!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Hillary Gramm, CEO of Higher Up Texas, a nonprofit organization dedicated to teaching teens how to adult!
At Higher Up Texas, we focus on equipping students — particularly those from underserved and overlooked communities — with the life skills, mentorship, and real-world experiences they need to succeed beyond the classroom. Our program is unique because it bridges personal development with civic engagement and career exploration, helping students not only envision a better future but actively build it.
What makes our work so special is the transformation we see in our students. Many come to us unsure of their path, and through our program they discover their voice, their value, and their potential to lead and give back. We don’t just prepare young people for careers, we help them develop confidence, resilience, and a strong sense of community.
My own journey has always been guided by a deep belief in the power of education and mentorship. Higher Up Texas grew out of that belief, that with the right guidance, every young person can rise above circumstance and become a force for positive change.
Right now, we’re expanding our impact through new partnerships, alumni initiatives, and community collaborations that continue to uplift and connect our graduates. Our ultimate goal is simple: to raise a generation of compassionate, confident leaders who not only achieve personal success but use it to make their communities stronger.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
I am not sure because I wasn’t listening.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Life’s greatest teacher is experience. There is always something to learn from the not so fun stuff. Life is peaks and valleys. The journey to the peak makes it even more special than being at the peak. Hearing no is a motivator.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Where are smart people getting it totally wrong today?
I do not agree or employ top-down leadership. When collaboration amongst all is missing, misalignment is bound to occur. It is critical to include all voices at the table with a microphone to speak in to!
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I’ve learned to embrace that I’m perfectly imperfect. I show up as my authentic self because trying to be someone else takes too much energy…and honestly, it’s never worth it. If someone doesn’t like me, that’s okay. They don’t pay my bills so their opinion doesn’t define me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.higheruptexas.org
- Instagram: higheruptexas
- Linkedin: Higheruptexas
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/higheruptexas
