Kasia Grzelkowski, President and CEO of VersAbility Resources, has been named among the “Top 25” most influential leaders in Hampton Roads as part of the 2026 Power List released by Inside Business.
Published annually, the Power List recognizes leaders across business, government, education, healthcare, nonprofit organizations, and economic development who are shaping the future of the region. The publication’s prestigious “Top 25” distinction highlights individuals identified as having the greatest influence on Hampton Roads’ economy and regional growth.
In its profile of Grzelkowski, Inside Business highlighted her leadership of VersAbility Resources since 2006, as well as her recent recognition as the First Citizen Award recipient from the Virginia Peninsula Chamber. The publication also recognized VersAbility’s growing regional impact through employment programs, community living services, and early childhood initiatives that support more than 1,500 individuals annually.
The feature additionally spotlighted VersAbility TECH, the organization’s inclusive workforce training initiative focused on preparing individuals of all abilities for careers in maritime, manufacturing, logistics, skilled trades, and technology through hands-on training and industry-recognized certifications.
Under Grzelkowski’s leadership over the past two decades, VersAbility Resources has expanded its services, strengthened regional partnerships, and advanced its mission of empowering people with disabilities and other barriers to achieve independence, inclusion, and purpose.
In recent years, the organization has made significant investments in workforce development programs designed to meet the evolving needs of Hampton Roads industries. Through initiatives such as welding and forklift certification training, as well as technology-focused programs like abilIT, VersAbility is helping prepare students and job seekers for high-demand careers across multiple sectors.
Beyond her leadership at VersAbility Resources, Grzelkowski remains actively engaged in regional and statewide leadership initiatives. Inside Business also recognized her service on several boards and organizations, including the Virginia Chamber of Commerce, RVA757 Connects, and the Hampton Roads Chamber.
Her inclusion in the “Top 25” reflects not only her leadership within VersAbility Resources, but also the growing regional importance of inclusive workforce development and expanding pathways to opportunity for individuals of all abilities.
VersAbility Resources is celebrating a moment of well-deserved recognition for one of the region’s most dedicated community leaders.
President and CEO Kasia Grzelkowski has been named the 2025 First Citizen of the Virginia Peninsula, an honor presented annually by the Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce to individuals whose leadership, service, and commitment to community represent the very best of civic life in the region.
For those who know Grzelkowski’s work, the recognition comes as no surprise.
For nearly two decades, she has led VersAbility with a steady vision rooted in compassion, collaboration, and the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to live a full and meaningful life.
Since becoming President and CEO 20 years ago, Grzelkowski has helped guide the organization through remarkable growth and transformation. Today, VersAbility supports more than 1,500 individuals each year through employment programs, community living services, and early childhood initiatives — creating pathways to independence and belonging for people with disabilities across the Virginia Peninsula.
Yet what truly defines Grzelkowski’s leadership is the way it reaches beyond any single organization.
Throughout her career, she has been a tireless advocate for partnerships that strengthen the entire community. As a past board chair of the Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce and a contributor to numerous regional and statewide initiatives, she has consistently worked to bring together nonprofit organizations, businesses, and public institutions to solve challenges and expand opportunity.
At its heart, this recognition reflects the mission that has guided VersAbility for generations — creating communities where people of all abilities are valued, supported, and empowered to thrive.
Under Grzelkowski’s leadership, that mission continues to grow in both reach and impact, ensuring that inclusion is not just an ideal, but a lived reality across the Virginia Peninsula.
A Leadership Journey Rooted in Advocacy
Accepting the award at a gala held at Christopher Newport University, Grzelkowski reflected on the early experiences that shaped her perspective on fairness, leadership, and service. Raised by parents who were sociology professors, she grew up immersed in conversations about citizenship and the responsibilities individuals share in building stronger communities.
One childhood moment offered an early glimpse of the advocate she would become. While working in her family’s apple orchard packing house as a young child, Grzelkowski discovered that her brother was being paid more for the same work. With encouragement from the women working alongside her, she created a protest sign and staged a picket for equal wages, successfully convincing her grandfather to change the pay structure.
“That determined little girl with a handmade sign and a heart for fairness grew up to become a city planner,” she told the audience during her remarks.
Her early career in planning and work with community-focused organizations ultimately led her to VersAbility nearly 20 years ago. At the time, both she and the organization’s board took a leap of faith, with Grzelkowski stepping into her first CEO role and into a field where she had not previously worked.
“Sometimes life calls us to stretch, to overcome our fears and doubts, and step up to serve at a higher level,” she said.
Advancing Opportunity for People with Disabilities
Throughout her tenure, Grzelkowski has remained deeply motivated by VersAbility’s mission to ensure individuals with disabilities have access to meaningful employment, independence, and full participation in community life.
“People with disabilities are often overlooked, their voices are not heard, and their gifts and experiences are often overlooked,” she said during her acceptance speech. “That’s the ‘why’ that drives everything we do.”
Grzelkowski emphasized that these achievements are the result of a dedicated team and strong partnerships across the region.
“I accept this honor as a reflection of a team and community that believes in shared responsibility and shared success,” she told attendees.
A Vision for the Future of Inclusion
Grzelkowski is optimistic about the future of inclusion in Hampton Roads and the Virginia Peninsula. She highlighted the importance of collaboration between business leaders, community organizations, and public institutions to create sustainable opportunity for everyone.
VersAbility continues to play a vital role in that effort by expanding workforce pathways, strengthening partnerships with employers, and helping ensure that individuals with disabilities have access to dignified lives of their choosing.
“If a little girl can stand up for fairness,” she said, “then surely we, together, can build a community where dignity and opportunity belong to everyone.”
Accessibility Information: If you need assistance in viewing or accessing our website, or have any comments, please call 757-896-6461 or use our contact form.
