#300 Grace Herdelin interview

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About Grace

Grace Herdelin, the new Miss New Jersey Volunteer, is a chemical engineer, opera singer, and passionate advocate for mentorship and women’s empowerment.. She is a proud graduate of Rutgers University, where she earned both her BS and MS in Chemical Engineering. Grace works for Merck in the Global Supplier Management Group as a Senior Specialist in New Product Introductions where she develops launch supply chains for the company’s small molecule drug pipeline, playing a key role in bringing innovative medicines to patients worldwide. Alongside her professional success, Grace is dedicated to giving back through her SERVE initiative, Mentoring Students, Catalyzing Careers, which has allowed her to guide students in STEM, career development, and personal growth for over five years. Beyond her professional and volunteer efforts, Grace is passionate about holistic health, cultural exploration, and inspiring young women to reach their full potential. Whether speaking to students, performing on stage, or volunteering in her community, Grace embodies the values of leadership, service, and resilience.

https://www.instagram.com/missnjvol/

Timestamps

* 3:24 Carrying responsibility and family values

* 21:02 Living in China – cultural discovery

* 30:19 Chemical engineering and nanoparticles

* 35:49 Why pageants? Purpose and identity

* 39:25 Wearing many hats – embracing complexity

* 44:25 What drives Grace – passion and persistence

* 48:42 Interviewing others and giving back

* 52:29 Opera, artistry, and performance

* 66:16 Final ten questions – personality and legacy

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