Her Story
About Grace
Grace Jennings is a Yacht Broker and Consultant at Boston Yacht Sales in Boston, Massachusetts, where she works with clients in the luxury marine industry while expanding her experience in venture investing through Alumni Ventures’ Next Generation program and evaluating early-stage startup opportunities. Originally from Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada, Jennings grew up surrounded by entrepreneurship through her family’s lumber business, where she developed her passion for business and leadership, inspired by the example and mentorship of her father, Michael Jennings.
Jennings moved to the United States to pursue both her education and athletic career, earning a degree in International Business from Maine Maritime Academy in 2025, where she was a four-year collegiate volleyball athlete and recipient of the NAC All-Conference Sportsmanship Award in 2021 and 2025. She is currently pursuing her MBA at Babson College with concentrations in Entrepreneurship and Finance, expected to graduate in May 2027.
Through Babson College, Jennings has gained hands-on experience in entrepreneurship, finance, and innovation through consulting for B4B Finance and participating in SharkNinja’s Beta X program. She has worked on projects involving fintech strategy, market research, product development, and commercialization, including bringing a consumer product from initial concept through development and to market.
Jennings serves as President and Chapter Leader of her Adam Smith Society chapter and is actively involved in Boston’s entrepreneurial and investment communities. She was selected as one of Boston’s Next Gen Business Leaders in 2026 and is a member of YPO Next Generation (YNG), Alumni Ventures’ Next Gen Cohort, Babson’s Women in Business Club, and the Family Business Club. Her professional interests include entrepreneurship and business development, with a focus on building meaningful relationships and creating long-term value.
Outside of her professional pursuits, Jennings has been a competitive equestrian throughout her life and continues to compete today. She gives back to her community by volunteering at local animal shelters and coaching young female athletes, helping inspire the next generation of leaders. Through her professional and community leadership, Jennings is committed to empowering young women to lead with confidence, pursue bold ambitions, and create lasting impact.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Grace
01What do you attribute your success to?
“I really attribute a lot of my success to three people. First, my dad, Michael Jennings, who has always believed in me, encouraged me to work hard, and supported me in pursuing opportunities that have helped me grow both personally and professionally. I am incredibly lucky to have him as my dad, and I love him so much.
The second is Business Professor Kirk Langford from Maine Maritime Academy. He has been an incredible mentor through college and beyond. Knowing I had someone who believed in my potential and was always willing to offer guidance has made a lasting impact on the person I am today.
The third person is my grandmother, Marilyn Jennings, who was truly the most influential person in my life and my best friend. My Nanny is someone I hope to be just like, and she gave me the kind of confidence and self-belief that I hope every young girl has the opportunity to find within herself.”
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
“Don’t wait until you feel 100% qualified, say yes to opportunities that challenge you."
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
“I think it’s important to create opportunities for other women by making introductions, supporting one another, and being open about our experiences. I’ve often been one of the only women in the room, and I’ve learned to see that as an opportunity to bring a different perspective rather than something that’s intimidating. The more we encourage and include other women, the more welcoming those spaces become for the next generation.
I also believe that relationships matter even more than qualifications. Every opportunity I’ve had has come from building genuine connections, staying curious, asking questions, and following up. You don’t need to have all the answers on day one, you just need to be willing to learn and put yourself out there.”
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
“I think the biggest challenge has been breaking into a new industry as a young woman. Yacht brokerage specifically is still a field dominated by older men, so starting with no client base and having to build trust from the ground up can be challenging.”
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
“Honesty and trust are huge. Being honest gets you further in career, life, and friendships. What you put out is what the universe sends back. Kindness goes a long way. But being kind doesn’t mean staying quiet. Advocate for yourself, take up space, and never let the fear of speaking up keep you from the opportunities you deserve.”
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