My story

I started my career as Event Manager for the National Association of People with AIDS, producing conferences, galas and fundraisers for audiences of 700+ people. One of my proudest projects, the Positively Beautiful Fashion Show, helped drive a record 20% attendance increase at the annual Ryan White Youth Conference.

From there, I built my business foundation. As Assistant Operations Manager for Bodies…The Exhibition, I hired and trained more than 100 staff and built safety programs across seven locations. Then I moved into luxury retail and beauty with Louis Vuitton, Laura Mercier, Trish McEvoy and Blue Mercury. As Business Manager for Laura Mercier, I ranked #1 in sales in the Southeast Region and grew annual revenue by 42%. As Regional Artist Trainer for Trish McEvoy, I managed a $1.2 million book of business and earned Gold Member status.

Along the way, I kept asking one question: why do we save that level of care for people who can afford it

So I brought what I'd learned back to the community. As a Health Impact Specialist in Washington, DC, I managed youth employment and opioid awareness programs. Today, as Care Coordinator at Damien Ministries, I build partnerships that expand access to healthcare, prevention and workforce opportunities, and our work has reached more than 2,000 community members. I founded Grimaldi-Francesca Training & Consulting to help more organizations do the same.