GRACEDBYGRIT

Kate makes it happen as COO of GRACEDBYGRIT. She manages her team leading by example and rarely sacrificing fun. She starts an impromptu ab workout in the office one moment to get endorphins pumping for creativity and focus and leads a company meeting the next. With her positive attitude, she shows her employees why working for GRACEDBYGRIT is her dream job each and every day. She has been the COO of GRACEDBYGRIT since its inception in January 2013. She is a natural people-person and loves working with women. She received her BA in Sociology and Psychology from UMass Amherst. As an entrepreneur, she owned her own company, Absolutely Organized. She also launched, coached and grew a youth and masters swim program at a Plymouth Fitness, a private health club. Kate was a youth and masters swim coach and also an executive for The Boys & Girls Club of Solana Beach, a non-profit in which she planned events, coordinated fundraisers and launched new programs. In addition, she privately coached women and women’s running groups. These experiences have taught her to constantly think of ways to improve efficiency and results. Her background has also taught her what women want and what women should wear in order to perform and look their best. This experienced knowledge of women is incorporated into all of our performance apparel. Outside of the office, Kate is raising two teenage daughters while squeezing in yoga, pilates, a de-stressing walk or a run (almost) every day. When she isn’t folding laundry (hello, teenage girls) she finds time for her boyfriend, family and friends usually while sipping an extra dirty martini.

Kimberly brings technology and business experience to GRACEDBYGRIT. She has been the CEO of GRACEDBYGRIT since she co-founded it in January 2013. She received her BS in Chemical Engineering from UC Berkeley. She started her career as a research engineer focused on metals used in the space shuttle and later on ceramic heat engines. She LOVED it. She then entered the business world, received an MBA from UCLA and held a variety of executive positions: ran GTE's (Verizon) telephone directory business; helped privatize CANTV (Venezuelan National Pone Company); started Cable Amble, a cable company; worked in Hollywood (C3 - Comcast Content & Communication)and had her own consultancy (C2C Media) helping people start businesses. Just when she thought it was time to start enjoying sunsets, Kimberly and her business partner Kate were inspired to start GRACEDBYGRIT while training for a triathlon. They realized there was a lack of high-performance athletic apparel for 30-60 year old women that made them feel safe with a whistle and a phone pocket, look great and protect them from the sun. Starting a new company is a crazy thing to do in your 50’s, but with an energetic, smart and passionate team, it’s never too late! Kimberly has been GRACEDBYGRIT many times: she helped her single mom balance a checkbook when she was eight years old; she married young and was widowed and she survived a kidnapping attempt, to name a few. She is graced with a great business and an entertaining family. Kimberly is married to Jim Caccavo and has two children (a teen and a pre-teen) that bring a daily smile and dose of gratitude.

Ralene brings 35 years of accounting and tax experience to GRACEDBYGRIT. She has served as CFO since inception and is passionate about the mission of safety and empowerment for women. She started her career at the international accounting firm of Arthur Andersen and followed up with accounting and tax consulting at Deloitte, Jabra and local businesses. Before GRACEDBYGRIT, she was the CFO of Sally Ride Science for eight years, working directly with the first American woman in space. Ralene received a BA in Business Administration and a BS in Accounting from Loyola Marymount University. Outside of the office, she enjoys spending time with her son and staying active with yoga and long walks on the beach. Ralene is GRACEDBYGRIT because she works hard to be better every day: a better mother, daughter, friend and team member.

Sherrie is a resourceful and innovative business leader, bringing over 15 years of experience as a global business development manager with expertise in all facets of account development, cultivation and overall management. She started off her career at Deloitte before taking an opportunity at Qualcomm in the Qualcomm Internet Services (QIS) division in 2001, working to develop the first mobile app store. She has been an athlete her entire life and was introduced to CrossFit by her husband. She quickly fell in love with the sport and looked for clothes that would help her perform her best. She was GRACEDBYGRIT’s first online purchase in 2013 and immediately became a loyal and passionate customer. Years, and many purchases of GRACEDBYGRIT Booty Shorts, later, Sherrie brought her corporate and leadership background to GRACEDBYGRIT, as the Director of Sales, Partnerships. Sherrie received her BA in Psychology from San Diego State University. She enjoys cooking, spending time with her family and traveling around the world. Sherrie is GRACEDBYGRIT because she risked leaving the corporate world to be a part of a start-up she believes in.

Born and raised in Mineral, Illinois, Abby graduated from the Illinois Institute of Art - Chicago where she earned her degree in Fashion Design. In college, she focused on technical design and garment construction. A few years ago, Abby fell in love with running when she realized it was the best stress reliever. She started competing in local 5Ks, working her way up to complete a marathon. Combining her passions for running and fashion design, she found GRACEDBYGRIT after reading an article online. As Production Coordinator, Abby ensures all GRACEDBYGRIT products are designed for elegance and quality. Outside of the office, she trades in her running shoes for cowboy boots, attending local country music concerts. Abby is GRACEDBYGRIT because she has ran every single day for the last four years, even in negative degree temperatures.

Chevigny is originally from Portland, Oregon and graduated from the University of San Francisco. Before GRACEDBYGRIT, she was a Case and Business Manager for a mediation firm, Mediated Negotiations, based in San Francisco. Her skill set of problem solving, leadership and process management has prepared her for her role at GRACEDBYGRIT as Operations Manager. She is constantly monitoring and evaluating company practices in pursuit of furthering productivity and efficiency. She loves traveling, testing out new recipes, gardening, camping, running and cross training. Chevigny is GRACEDBYGRIT because she refuses to settle in her comfort zone.

Jaclyn graduated from the University of Illinois School of Business and has spent the last seven years working in the sports and lifestyle industry, having gained large corporate and small brand experience a like. Her biggest endeavour involved managing a large multi-faceted sponsorship program for PowerBar in the endurance sports space. She then went on to oversee national promotions for the Rock N’ Roll Marathon. Jaclyn has taken her experiences and developed an approach to engagement marketing that helps brands build a bond with their customers to develop loyalty, inspire action and create a sense of community. Jaclyn is instrumental to growing the reach and brand awareness for GRACEDBYGRIT. You can find her on her road bike, stand-up paddle board or enjoying a beach run, just in time for Happy Hour. Jaclyn is GRACEDBYGRIT because she values her strength in stepping up during tough times.

Jim Caccavo has been actively involved with GRACEDBYGRIT since Day One with his extensive background as Chairman of Prana and his involvement with other notable consumer goods companies. As a Member of the Board, his strong business experience helps guide business strategy, expansion plans and revenue growth. Jim is a proven entrepreneur with deep operating and financial experience. He has managed transactions in consumer products, retail, apparel, food and beverage, nutraceutical and supplements, business services, software, technology and communications. He is currently the Founder and Managing General Partner at Steelpoint Capital Partners, a San Diego based private equity firm, and serves on the Board of Directors at SKLZ, a high-performance training equipment manufacturer. Jim is a seasoned senior executive with strong sales, marketing, financial and operating experience, which has resulted in a successful track record throughout his career. Jim has been invaluable in helping GRACEDBYGRIT with branding, expanding distribution, generating and sustaining sales growth and structuring efficient and effective sales and marketing organizations.

Liz had a full career as an elementary school teacher in Solana Beach, CA and ran her own business, Otis Mosaics, making and selling custom mosaic tile tables before coming to GRACEDBYGRIT. She originally was hired because of her organization skills and attention to detail. She is instrumental in keeping day-to-day operations, processes and logistics streamlined. Liz currently manages and coordinates production and pop-up shops. Liz and her husband have spent the last 23 years raising three children: two boys and one girl. Liz runs several days a week, does bootcamp workouts and bar method classes, hikes, bikes, plays tennis and does all sorts of snow sports and water sports. Liz received her undergraduate degree from St. Lawrence University and a Master’s in Education from the University of San Diego. Liz is GRACEDBYGRIT because she only has one speed… FAST.