Get to know Grace

Columbus City Boards and Commissions:

• Redevelopment Commission

• Mayor’s Public Art Committee

• HUD Public Housing Board

About Grace:

I began serving as a Columbus City Councilor at-large in January 2020 and was sworn in for my second term in January 2023. It is an honor to serve the community that raised me.

I am a Columbus native, small business owner, and community advocate. I believe local government works best when it listens to people and creates real opportunity for everyone. My work is grounded in service, inclusion, and making sure every resident feels seen and valued.

I attended St. Peters Lutheran School, Columbus North High School, and DePauw University, where I earned a degree in communications and anthropology. In 2017, I completed my master’s degree in culture and conflict studies in Berlin, Germany. Those experiences shaped how I approach leadership - with curiosity, collaboration, and a deep respect for different perspectives.

Early in my career at Cummins, Inc., I helped develop hiring strategies focused on building a more diverse workforce, with attention to women, veterans, and people with disabilities. That work strengthened my commitment to equity and access.

Today, I run Grace Kestler Consulting, partnering with small businesses and community organizations to help them become more inclusive and accessible. I also work at Indiana University, where I conduct research focused on disability initiatives and advancing inclusive practices.

My family has been part of this community for generations. My parents taught my siblings and me that serving others is not optional - it is a responsibility. That belief continues to guide my work in public service.

I love living downtown with my husband, Matthew, and my stepson, Emmett. Columbus is our home, and I am committed to helping it grow in ways that strengthen neighborhoods, support families, and create opportunity for the next generation.