Dr. Brenda Combs

Dr. Brenda Combs, Ed.D., is recognized for her work in addiction recovery, homelessness advocacy, and motivational speaking. Her personal journey, often described in the media as a transition from homelessness to a leadership role in education, highlights the impact of resilience and education in overcoming adversity. After experiencing addiction and leaving school, Combs spent a decade living on the streets of Phoenix, facing challenges such as violence, incarceration, and trauma. These experiences prompted her to seek rehabilitation and pursue higher education.

Combs balanced multiple jobs as a single mother while earning a bachelor's degree in human services. She taught at a school for children with special needs and continued her education at Grand Canyon University, earning a master's degree in special education and later a doctorate in organizational leadership with an emphasis in education. Her career in education includes more than 15 years in the K-12 sector and over a decade as a full-time online instructor in higher education.

Combs is also an author, entrepreneur, playwright, actress, and motivational speaker. Her memoir, "Finding My Shoes," details her experiences with homelessness and addiction. She has published additional works through BRC Publishing and founded BRC Media Group, which focuses on creative projects in acting, singing, writing, and directing. Her keynote presentations, including "From Rags to Enrichment" and "Maximize Your Net Worth," address topics such as domestic violence, addiction recovery, education, and personal transformation, reaching audiences at youth groups, churches, universities, and professional organizations nationwide.

In addition to her speaking and writing, Combs is the CEO and founder of Making Things Better Sober Living, which operates multiple homes in Phoenix, Arizona, for individuals in recovery. She also established the Finding My Shoes Foundation, which provides essential items to people experiencing homelessness. As a survivor of domestic violence, Combs advocates for the rights of the homeless community and has served as a national ambassador for the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association's Power to End Stroke campaign. Her work has been featured in Reader's Digest, on CNN News, NBC's "Today Show," and Oprah Radio's "DNA Experience Show."

Combs has received recognition for her advocacy and educational leadership, including selection by the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury as an Arizona Woman of Inspiration and the Martin Luther King Stand Up for Justice Award. She shares her story nationwide as Grand Canyon University's Ambassador of Inspiration & Achievement, emphasizing the potential for transformation through education and community support.