The Gurnee Days Committee is proud to announce Gurnee resident, Gale Graves, as the 2026 Gurnee Days Honoree.

Born into a family that believed the greatest contribution a person can make is helping others, Gale Graves is dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families and strengthening communities.

Gale began her professional journey in social services in Detroit. After earning her MBA and relocating to Lake County, she spent more than a decade in the healthcare industry in consulting, marketing, and operations leadership roles. While volunteering as an Adult Literacy Tutor, she witnessed firsthand the transformative power of education, inspiring her to return to nonprofit work and community service. She spent over a decade focused on creating adult education programs driven by community needs and securing critical grant funding while at the Waukegan Public Library and serving as an Adult Education Adjunct at the College of Lake County.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Gale co-chaired the African American Community Partnership Group of Lake County, helping coordinate outreach, education, and mitigation efforts in disproportionately impacted communities. She also administered more than $1 million in CARES Act funding to support community-based public health initiatives.

Today, as Vice President of Community Impact for United Way of Lake County, Gale leads education and community resiliency programs, including 211 Lake County, connecting thousands of residents each year to critical resources and support services. Known for her collaborative leadership style, she brings together organizations, volunteers, funders, and community members to create lasting community impact.

Gale served five years on the Board of Cool Learning Experience. In 2025, she was recognized by the Lake County Board through an official proclamation honoring her contributions to local children, families, and communities and appointed to the inaugural Gurnee Cares Commission, a community initiative dedicated to strengthening local nonprofits and amplifying their impact on Gurnee’s community members. In 2026, she was named a Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drum Major for Justice Honoree for her commitment to advancing equity and opportunity. 

Gale is the proud mother of David, a Warren Township High School graduate who serves in the United States Marine Corps Reserve while pursuing a career in welding. Although her parents are no longer here to celebrate this honor, their values of service and hard work continue to inspire her belief that when communities come together to support one another, everyone can succeed.

Gale’s dedication and positive influence on the Gurnee community will be honored at the Gurnee Days annual testimonial reception on Thursday, August 6, 2026, at Warren Township Center. On Friday, August 7, a meet and greet with Gale will take place at 7 p.m. Additionally, Gale will serve as the Grand Marshal of the Gurnee Days parade on Saturday, August 8.