Women To Watch 2025 honoree Michelle Grigsby-Hackett

Michelle Grigsby-Hackett is a transformative leader and expert advocate in the behavioral health industry, driving impactful change for over 25 years. As the first African American woman CEO of a major nonprofit behavioral health and crisis organization operating in Maryland and North Carolina, she has been a trailblazer in expanding access to care and strengthening community-based mental health systems—particularly for underserved populations.

A Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and Certified Psychiatric Rehabilitation Practitioner (CPRP), Michelle has dedicated her career to breaking down barriers to equitable and culturally responsive behavioral health services. She has championed programs that address disparities in care, ensuring that individuals facing mental health challenges, substance use disorders, and crises receive the support they need.

Michelle’s expertise in executive coaching and nonprofit business development has empowered behavioral health organizations to scale their impact, secure sustainable funding, and implement evidence-based practices. She has worked alongside leadership teams to enhance operational efficiency and develop strategic solutions tailored to the complex needs of diverse communities.

A recognized speaker and thought leader, Michelle is a passionate advocate for minority leadership in behavioral health and a driving force behind policy and programmatic changes that prioritize mental wellness in underserved populations. She serves on the Mental Health Advisory Committee and has been appointed by Maryland’s Secretary of Behavioral Health to serve on the state’s workgroup focused on increasing representation of minority professionals in the behavioral health field. Additionally, she is an active board member of the Community Behavioral Health Association of Maryland, where she contributes to shaping statewide behavioral health initiatives. Michelle has delivered powerful talks on critical mental health topics at national and international conferences, shaping conversations on access, equity, and advancements in behavioral health care.

Michelle holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Arizona State University and a Master of Arts in Professional Counseling from Argosy University. She has built strong partnerships with international, federal, state, and local stakeholders to ensure behavioral health remains a public health priority—advocating for policies, funding, and innovations that create lasting impact for communities in need.

Beyond her professional achievements, Michelle is a devoted wife, mother of two, and proud dog mom. She embraces the joy of spending quality time with her family—whether watching her daughter shine as cheerleader at games, spending time with her son discussing his love of baseball, or cooking with her husband. Michelle is also an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, through which she extends her commitment to community service and social change.