Meet the Founder & CEO

Hi, I’m Gretchen —

US Army veteran, Industrial/Organizational Psychologist, and the heart behind AGADA.

I created AGADA to build something meaningful based on the values I hold most dear: service, family, and impact. After years in talent strategy, early career development, and workforce consulting — including leading internship programs and mentoring new professionals — I witnessed firsthand how many capable individuals struggle to bridge the gap between potential and opportunity.

I built AGADA Edge to serve as a bridge — a launchpad for students, recent grads, and career changers seeking affordable, empowering support to discover their path.

But AGADA didn’t stop there. My creative side found a home in AGADA Designs, where I craft handmade jewelry inspired by simplicity, storytelling, and rural life. Sold online and at local trade day markets and rooted in hands-on care, each piece reflects the strength and beauty found in everyday moments.

As a disabled US Army veteran and a working mother from rural Alabama, I understand what it means to start over, hustle with purpose, and achieve success on my terms. Every product, coaching session, and handcrafted design I offer is rooted in a blend of personal experience and professional insight.

AGADA isn’t just a brand; it reflects my family, our farm, and the belief that every story—no matter how humble—holds power.