About Grace Tinsley

Grace Tinsley was a lifelong community servant who dedicated herself to youth, education, and social justice in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Her Legacy

Grace Tinsley broke barriers and built bridges throughout her career. She became the first African American woman to sit on the Charlottesville School Board, a milestone that reflected both her determination and the community's trust in her leadership.

Her daughter described her through five defining qualities: "courage, problem solving ability, perseverance, inspiration, and dedication to making the community better." These are the same qualities we look for in every scholar we support.

Community Involvement

Grace Tinsley served on the boards of numerous educational institutions, including:

Minor/Preston Educational Fund
Piedmont Virginia Community College
Charlottesville-Albemarle Technical Education Center (CATEC)
Charlottesville Public Schools Health Advisory Board
The Jefferson School
Charlottesville City School Board (first African American woman to serve)

Her Six Pillars

Leader Advocate Educator Nurse Problem Solver Bridge Builder

The Scholarship Program

The Grace Tinsley Memorial Scholarship Program was established to honor her life and work. It awards annual college scholarships to low- and middle-income Charlottesville High School seniors who demonstrate the character traits Grace embodied throughout her life.