Meet Grace
"I was raised in a family that took its civic responsibilities very seriously. I want to continue the legacy of my parents who instilled in me and my six siblings - the desire to contribute to the communities where we live, work, and play. They fostered in me a strong sense of duty to use my skills and education for the betterment of not only my family, but our neighbors. I believe a Mayor must be mindful that our community is made up of people from varied cultures, who have varied incomes, education, and skills and we all want the same thing – to provide for ourselves, our families and have a good quality of life.”
Grace grew up in a very large and politically active family, the youngest of seven children. Born into a service-oriented family, Grace learned early the importance of public service. Her father was a respected police chief, and her mother, a registered nurse, worked night shifts while raising seven children. Their dedication to their community shaped Grace’s deep-rooted sense of civic responsibility. She attended Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology/Social Welfare, followed by a Master’s degree in Secondary School Counseling from Lehigh University. Grace would go on to serve others throughout her career. She is the grateful mother of 3 children- Attorney Shannon Yeager, Dr. Bridget Smith, and son Bendan. She started as case manager and addictions counselor, and moved her way up to the administrator of services in which she developed and implemented budgets with limited government funds for our most vulnerable populations - those with mental illness and developmental disabilities as well as infants and toddlers in need of early intervention and medical services. Grace recently retired after 20 years as a High School Guidance Counselor at Easton High School. Grace has also taught at the community college level on the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
Grace was a member of both SEIU as well as PSEA during her professional career and will always support the Union way of life.
Grace currently chairs the Finance Committee and sits on the Community and Economic Development Committee as well as the Public Safety Committee and is the Liaison for the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission.
On City Council Grace has
- Started an Affordable Housing Task Force
- Doubled the amount of ARPA (Covid) money Earmarked for Affordable housing and homelessness
- Voted against the 2024 Tax Increase
- Voted Against the New Walnut Street Garage with less parking spots and less accessibility
- Amended the LERTA tax incentive for developers to mandate affordable housing component or pay a fee in lieu
- Sponsored resolution to assure insurance coverage for post-traumatic stress disorder care for first responders
- Advocated and fought to fill vacancies within our Fire department
- Sponsored the ordinance banning sale of pets from puppy mills within the city
- Introduced a Responsible Contractor Ordinance
Her commitment to community involvement extends beyond her elected role. She is a member of the NAACP Community Advisory Board, the American Legion Auxiliary, the ACLU, and the Bethlehem City Democratic Committee. In 2022, she was recognized with the Outstanding Elected Democratic Woman of the Year Award by the Pennsylvania Federation of Democratic Women.
Outside of her work, Grace enjoys attending sports events, concerts, and cultural activities. She is an avid reader and enjoys walking, crafting, and volunteering. Her passion for community engagement and her deep understanding of Bethlehem’s needs make her a dedicated and experienced leader committed to the city’s future.