Meet Hillary Gramm | Executive Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Hillary Gramm and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Hillary, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
Higher Up Texas is a non-profit organization that teaches life skills to young adults and guides them to their successful futures.

We are a two-part program that works with young adults ages 17-2. In part one, HUT is a 2 hour per week class for high school seniors that teaches the tools and skills needed for adulthood. After HUT students graduate high school, they continue into Higher Up Phase 2 (HP2). HUT Phase 2 is a support system where everyone leans on each other to navigate adulthood and its challenges. Everyone empowers and encourages one another.

Higher Up Texas is a Community; a Family; a MOVEMENT.

What should our readers know about your business?
There are limited resources for young adults after they graduate from high school. Our program teaches young people how to adult and we do this through a variety of voices and experiences. Higher Up Texas is a family of support that can change a person’s trajectory in spite of what challenges and circumstances have prevented them in the past from realizing their dreams.

My job is one of the greatest joys. I look forward to beginning my day each and every day. I have been empowering youth since 2006 through work in the non-profit sector. I was bullied in elementary school and had challenges in my home life. This is what inspired me to delve into the issues children face that may hinder their chances of success.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Food is where it is at! I would begin our day at CoCo Crepes in League City for some amazing caffeination and artful crepes, plus it is a neat place to chat with friends! Because we will be eating again shortly after, I would suggest a jog at Memorial Park so we can burn off some energy and make room for the next stop which would be Sushi Coast on Bay Area Blvd. The Rocketman Roll is out of this world!

Beyond Beaute in Clear Lake will be a must for pampering and beautifying. I love their relaxation room after services!

We still would be pretty full so a good night cap would be dessert from Scrumptious Houston. The King Cake Cheesecake is off the chain!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My besties and bok club partners- the BB Sisters. We were inspired by Author, Shame researcher, Social Worker, Brene Brown, PhD. My friends and I developed a book club dedicated to the words derived and written by the author. We each realized we were all growing and needed a place to recognize the feelings that would also be a safe space for vulnerability. Three and a half years in, we are better as human beings because we have the love and care of one another.

Website: www.higheruptexas.org

Instagram: @higheruptexas

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/higher-up-texas/

Twitter: @higheruptexas

Facebook: www.facebook.com/higheruptexas

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCATiFQf_iQzM-NelVILX82w