Habeebah Rasheed Grimes stands as a powerful embodiment of Black excellence, dedicating her life's work to uplifting and healing vulnerable children, particularly within the Northeast Ohio community. As the Chief Executive Officer of the Positive Education Program (PEP), Grimes leads a dedicated staff of nearly 400 professionals committed to providing culturally affirming and trauma-informed care to young people who have experienced significant adversity and mental health challenges.

Her journey is marked by a deep understanding of the impact of trauma, particularly as a collective and embodied experience. Recognizing the profound harm that trauma and chronic stress inflict on the lives of the children PEP serves, Grimes spearheaded the agency's certification as a Phase 2 Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT) site, working closely with The Neurosequential Network. This demonstrates her commitment to utilizing cutting-edge, evidence-based practices to support healing. Furthering her expertise, she has also completed training in Foundations in Somatic Abolitionism, highlighting her holistic approach to addressing trauma.

Grimes's dedication extends beyond her leadership at PEP. A valued voice within the adoption community, she also spoke at the TRJ Family Camp in 2011, sharing her insights and expertise with families. She is a sought-after public speaker, community leader, and the creator of the "No Crystal Stair Podcast," a platform exploring the intersection of Black motherhood and social change. Her voice is crucial in advocating for culturally responsive care and addressing the systemic inequities that disproportionately affect Black and Brown children.

Her commitment to civic engagement is equally impressive. Grimes was recently appointed to the board of Prevent Child Abuse America and serves as a trustee of The Woodruff Foundation, which focuses on philanthropic support for behavioral health needs in Cuyahoga County. She chairs Cuyahoga County's Advisory Council on Equity and the Mental Health and Addiction Advocacy Coalition's Northeast Ohio Steering Committee. Additionally, she contributes her expertise to the OhioRISE (Resilience through Integrated Systems and Excellence) Advisory Council. Her past involvement includes serving on the State of Ohio's Children's Behavioral Health Prevention Stakeholder Group and Cleveland's 19 News advisory council for its "The Next 400" series. TRJ Family Camp in 2011.

Grimes's accomplishments have garnered significant recognition. She is a graduate of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's distinguished Ladder to Leadership program and an alumna of Leadership Cleveland's Class of 2020. In 2015, Crain's Cleveland Business honored her as a "40 Under 40" leader. She received Cleveland State University's 2019 Distinguished Alumni Award and was inducted into the Cleveland Heights High School Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame in 2022.

Personally, Grimes's dedication is deeply rooted in her experience witnessing her brother's struggles with severe mental health challenges. Her work and service stand as a powerful tribute to his memory, fueling her passion for creating a more just and supportive world for vulnerable children and families. Habeebah Rasheed Grimes's unwavering commitment to healing, equity, and empowerment makes her a true exemplar of Black excellence, leaving an indelible mark on her community and beyond.