Gail Grabczynski

Gail Grabczynski is a Chicago, Illinois-based behavioral health professional with 35 years of experience in the field of health and human services. Growing up in a challenging environment, she pursued education to improve systems she encountered, earning a bachelor's degree in psychology and social work from Eastern Michigan University, a master's in social work from the University of Illinois at Chicago, a master's in organizational leadership from Dominican University, a Master of Online Education from the University of Springfield, and a doctorate in leadership focused on emotional intelligence from Olivet Nazarene University. She began her career working with HIV and AIDS programs, including innovative CDC initiatives that earned her awards, before founding Making the Difference International in 1997 to offer global human services consulting and private practice. Her expertise centers on emotional intelligence applications for clients and organizations, and she made history as the first woman hired full-time as a mental health clinician in the NFL, working with the Chicago Bears for 12 years and continuing to support professional athletes from the NFL, NBA, and WNBA. Grabczynski also teaches at the college level, supervises therapists, and volunteers with the National AIDS Organization, provides free mental health services to individuals exiting prison, and advocates for accessible higher education. She attributes her success to hard work, passion, and a commitment to helping others recognize their inner strength, especially in the post-pandemic era, and advises others to find and follow their passion.