Eileen Grimes is a seasoned executive and transformational leadership expert with over 20 years of diverse professional experience spanning technology, health and wellness, AI, and organizational development. With a powerful blend of strategic vision and human-centered insight, she helps leaders and organizations foster inclusive cultures, retain top talent, and drive meaningful, sustainable growth.
Currently serving as the EVP of Growth and Learning at the Human Leadership Institute, Eileen leads the design and execution of executive learning experiences and leadership development programs. Her work focuses on building high-trust, relational leadership capabilities that align with modern organizational challenges. She is known for her agility, strategic foresight, and ability to create safe, empowering environments where individuals and teams can thrive.
Eileen began her career in education as a high school math teacher before transitioning into the tech sector, where she earned her Six Sigma certification and led process improvement and KPI initiatives as an IT Manager. During her decade-long tenure at TMNA Services, she not only advanced operational efficiency but also pioneered the Women in IT initiative—an impactful diversity effort that laid the groundwork for broader DEI programs.
Deeply committed to equity and belonging, Eileen co-founded a nationally recognized women’s leadership program that helped ignite an enterprise-wide diversity movement. Her influence led to the creation of a formal DEI branch and the receipt of a prestigious global award. She has also shared her expertise as a trusted speaker with the CIO Executive Council, particularly on topics of inclusive leadership, belonging, and the intersection of technology and culture.
In addition to her corporate and advisory work, Eileen is a published author and the creator of The Us Journal, a unique mindfulness-based journal that strengthens connection between parents and children. She is also the founder and host of The You Only Go Once (Y.O.G.O.) podcast, which amplifies stories of people choosing joy and purpose over fear.
Eileen holds a Master of Arts in Education with a focus on Urban Education and Social Justice from the University of San Francisco and a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics from Gonzaga University. Her professional journey includes international exposure in Tokyo, Japan, and she brings a global, empathetic lens to leadership and organizational strategy.
Previously, she served on the board of the Philadelphia Orchid Project and is now actively seeking board and advisory roles where she can bring her depth of experience in leadership transformation, culture-building, and strategic planning to mission-driven organizations.
A proud mother of two, Eileen finds joy in dancing, exploring nature, and spending quality time with family. Her personal mission—“Transformation. Leadership. Cultural.”—reflects her lifelong passion for helping others flourish, both personally and professionally.
Character: Eileen leads with empathy, authenticity, and a deep commitment to helping others flourish through inclusive and values-driven leadership.
Knowledge: She brings over two decades of expertise in leadership development, DEI, organizational growth, and human-centered transformation across multiple industries.
Strategic: Eileen is a systems thinker who designs and implements impactful programs that align leadership behaviors with long-term business goals and cultural evolution.
Communication: A dynamic speaker and storyteller, she effectively engages diverse audiences through workshops, podcasts, and thought leadership on belonging, leadership, and growth.
