Brenda leads the team responsible for shaping and executing the foundation’s approach to community engagement, learning, events, research, and programmatic evaluation in support of our values and aspirations. She aims to ensure the experiences of communities most impacted by inequities are central to the foundation’s learning, guiding how we meaningfully support community-led efforts.

Previously, Brenda served as deputy director and policy manager at the Seattle Office for Civil Rights. She feels fortunate to have incredible mentors throughout her life, from her mother who raised four kids on a steady diet of liberation theology, service, and love, to community elders who lead with the value of “nothing for us, without us.” Currently, she serves on the boards of Cascade Public Media and the Washington State Budget and Policy Center.

Brenda earned her bachelor’s at Western Washington University and master’s at the London School of Economics. She is the proud mother of two great kiddos.