Founder Feature: Styling Kaitlyn Rios of Faced With Grace

Founder Feature: Kaitlyn Rios, Faced With Grace

Kaitlyn Rios is more than a founder—she’s a survivor, a changemaker, and a voice for women who have silently endured toxic work environments. Her nonprofit, Faced With Grace, was born from one of the darkest seasons of her life, when personal upheaval and workplace toxicity collided.

Kaitlyn Rios, Founder of Faced With Grace

In 2018, Kaitlyn was juggling the demands of a five-month-old daughter, her parents’ divorce after three decades of marriage, and a job that drained her mentally and emotionally. The commute became the heaviest part of her day—a time when intrusive thoughts felt impossible to quiet. And yet, every time she glanced in the rearview mirror, she saw her daughter’s innocent face staring back, grounding her in a single truth: she had the grace to keep going.

That moment became her mission.

Today, Faced With Grace operates as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to empowering exceptional women navigating workplace toxicity.

The organization focuses on:

• Mental health & wellness in the workplace – offering mentorship and resources to women in high-stress or unhealthy environments.

• Leadership development – preparing the next generation of female leaders to build inclusive, healthy teams.

• Awareness & prevention – equipping women to identify toxic patterns early and navigate them with confidence.

• Community building – creating a safe, supportive space for women to share experiences and find solidarity.

• Advocacy & giving – contributing 10% of proceeds to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

  
  

Kaitlyn’s vision is ambitious yet deeply personal: to inspire a ripple effect of meaningful change in workplace culture—so that women not only survive in their careers, but truly thrive. She believes that when women are empowered, organizations flourish, and the next generation inherits a healthier, more equitable workforce.

Through Faced With Grace, Kaitlyn hosts monthly fireside chats, bringing together thought leaders and women from all walks of life to discuss workplace wellness and leadership.

Monthly Fireside Chats with Kaityln Rios and Andrew Stoute, Board Member of Face with Grace.

In fall 2025, she’ll be leading a virtual speaker summit, followed by an in-person fundraising event in Argyle, Texas, in spring 2026. Kaitlyn’s story is proof that resilience can turn pain into purpose—and purpose into action. Her journey is not just about surviving toxic workplaces, but about building a future where they no longer exist.

The Grace Space Virtual Summit

Date: Monday, August 25, 2025

Location: Virtual (join from anywhere!)

On August 25, Faced With Grace will host The Grace Space Virtual Summit, a transformational event for women ready to champion a new era of compassionate leadership. This powerful day is designed to help women cultivate careers where authenticity is celebrated, wellbeing is prioritized, and leadership inspires a healthier culture. It’s a space for transformation, community, and lasting change—where you’ll gain tools to heal toxic environments, lead with heart, and build a legacy of grace.

Attendees will explore how to:

• Break toxic cycles and channel adversity into strength.

• Choose authenticity over apathy to empower themselves and others.

• Build healthy workplace cultures rooted in psychological safety.

• Lead with empathy, clarity, and purpose.

  
  

We’re thrilled to share that Kathy Lee, founder of The Élève Initiative, will be a featured guest speaker.

Session: Redefining Success: Choosing Empathy, Purpose, and What Really Matters

Time: 1:40 PM – 2:00 PM CT

Together, we’ll explore how leading with heart can transform not only our work culture but the way we live and connect with one another.

Get your tax-deductible tickets here:Grace Space Summit Tickets

Every ticket sold supports Faced With Grace’s mission to end workplace toxicity for women—and also gives back to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

Can’t attend? You can still help create healthier workplaces for women everywhere by donating here:Support Faced With Grace

Styling Kaitlyn: Purpose Meets Personal Style

Kaitlyn’s wardrobe is an effortless reflection of the values that define her work—positivity, power, peace, people, and purpose. Her style is rooted in versatile neutrals and fluid silhouettes, touched with a whisper of romantic minimalism. Every piece moves seamlessly between her worlds—whether she’s commanding a stage, leading a boardroom, or savoring a quiet weekend.

The Power Pairing – A sharply tailored plaid blazer meets the soft sheen of a satin cami, grounded in dark denim. Gold hoops add subtle glow, while black loafers lend a confident, all-day ease.

Blush and Bold – A sleeveless blush blazer draped over a ribbed knit breathes light into dark denim. Sage green mules inject a soft pop of color, while a leopard-print clutch and stacked bangles play with pattern and texture.

Bootcut Denim Essentials – Deep-indigo bootcut jeans elongate the frame, styled with a crisp sleeveless tunic. Sage green mules complete the look, balancing modern polish with understated charm.

Statement Layers – From the cropped plaid blazer’s structured edge to the blush sleeveless blazer’s warm-weather ease, these toppers define transitional dressing with quiet authority.

Sun-Ready Dresses – Three silhouettes, each with its own mood: a blue-and-white belted shirt dress for breezy afternoons, a floral puff-sleeve midi for romantic gatherings, and a striped tiered mini for playful escapes. All anchored by her signature sage green mules—proof that comfort and chic can happily coexist.

At The Élève Initiative, we believe style is more than clothing—it’s a catalyst for confidence, empowerment, and purpose. Our mission is to equip women with the wardrobe, resources, and encouragement they need to step into every opportunity feeling prepared and valued. By partnering with leaders like Kaitlyn, we continue building a community where women rise together—breaking barriers, rewriting narratives, and creating space for the next generation to thrive.

Join us in elevating women through style, mentorship, and opportunity. Together, we can dress not just for the job, but for the life we’re meant to lead.