Linda Gray, a community outreach expert and President of Corporate Connections, has made a significant difference across America with her extensive experience in community mobilization. With a background in the Department of Human Services, Linda has been working towards helping minority, women-owned, disabled, and veteran businesses and individuals facing challenges such as frail elderly people and breast cancer patients in rural areas.
Linda’s dedication to community outreach can be traced back to her work as the Diversity Outreach Coordinator for the Women Business Center in 2002. Her primary role was to recruit over 100 minority and women-owned businesses to receive technical assistance in starting their businesses. Since then, Linda has made significant contributions to communities as an executive officer and certified business mentor for the Dallas SCORE Headquarters, a volunteer resource partner with the Small Business Administration.
Through her role with SCORE, Linda has been responsible for recruiting and assisting in business planning and proposals, business certifications, registrations, and business financial packaging. Her efforts have helped many minority, women-owned, disabled, and veteran businesses secure the necessary resources to grow and thrive. Linda’s commitment to helping others has led her to secure a Breast Cancer Outreach Project grant for women living in rural communities through the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. She was also awarded a Faith In Action grant from the Robert Woods Johnson Foundation, which provided in-home services for frail elderly individuals and successfully recruited 100 volunteers.
Linda has also developed and presented numerous workshops on grant writing, minority and women’s business certifications, and grants management. She is a grant reviewer for AmeriCORPS, the US Department of Education, the HUD Fair Housing Initiative, and the US Department of Justice. In addition, her expertise in HIV/AIDS issues has led her to be listed as a consultant for the National Minority Aids Council, where she provides technical assistance to organizations that address the issue.
In addition to her work with businesses and organizations, Linda’s commitment to community outreach extends to serving as a Commissioner of the Prison Ministry through the National Baptist Association. This role has allowed her to work towards creating positive changes in the lives of prisoners and their families. Her efforts have not gone unnoticed, as she was awarded the SBA’s Field Operation Center East 2007 Perseverance Award for her dedication, drive, and determination to help businesses and communities overcome the effects of the damage and devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina. Linda has also secured grant funds from the American National Red Cross to provide summer enrichment activities for youth Hurricane Katrina impacted during the 2006 and 2007 summer months in Mobile, Alabama.
Linda’s extensive work background and experience in community mobilization have equipped her with the skills and expertise necessary to make a difference in communities across America. Her dedication to securing grants and providing technical assistance to minority, women-owned, disabled, and veteran businesses and individuals facing challenges is a testament to her passion for helping others. Linda’s commitment to making a difference and creating positive changes in the lives of those around her inspires all those who seek to do the same.
In addition to her professional endeavors, Linda has a passion for mosaics and jewelry making. Her love for the arts reflects her creativity and ability to bring beauty and positive change into the lives of others.
Linda Gray is a valuable asset to the business community and an inspiration to all those who seek to make a difference. Her work in community outreach has significantly impacted the lives of many individuals and businesses, and her commitment to creating positive changes continues to be a driving force behind her work. With her expertise and dedication, Linda is sure to make an even more significant difference in the years to come.
Business: Corporate Connections
