Inspirational Resilience & Recovery Advocate; CEO & Founder of Making Things Better Sober Living; Bestselling Author; Motivational Speaker

Phoenix, AZ, USA

Dr. Brenda Combs Biography

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.

BOOK Dr. Brenda Combs

Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 06/18/2026.

Dr. Brenda Combs Speaking Topics

  • From Rags to Enrichment

    "From Rags to Enrichment" is Dr. Brenda Combs' personal story, which can touch on such topics as domestic violence, the importance of education, stroke awareness and prevention, rebounding from divorce, single parenting, and drug and alcohol abuse and recovery.

    Dr. Combs can also facilitate a 45-minute interactive program designed for smaller groups, in which she works individually with each person to help create a vision and life goals.

  • Maximize Your Net Worth

    In "Maximize Your Net Worth," speaker Dr. Brenda Combs provides an inspirational talk on how to use one's gifts and talents to create your own success.

    Dr. Combs can also facilitate a 45-minute interactive program designed for smaller groups, in which she works individually with each person to help create a vision and life goals.

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Dr. Brenda Combs Videos

"It wasn't the program. It was me." | Dr. Brenda Combs

"It wasn't the program. It was me." | Dr. Brenda Combs

Good Morning Sunshine is filmed in the Center for Positive Media. Host: Carey Pena of Inspired Media 360 Host: Brandon Lee of Art of Our...

Dr. Brenda Combs | Overcoming 10 years of Addiction

Dr. Brenda Combs | Overcoming 10 years of Addiction

Today, Dr. Brenda Combs is a dynamic keynote speaker, author, actress, playwright, and a symbol of inspiration and perseverance.

I'm Still Here

I'm Still Here

Brenda Combs is a symbol of inspiration and perseverance to all who meet her. Only fifteen years ago, she was a homeless crack addict, a petty...

  • How do I book Dr. Brenda Combs to speak at my event?

    Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Dr. Brenda Combs for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Dr. Brenda Combs, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Dr. Brenda Combs or any other speaker of your choice.
  • What are the speaker fees for Dr. Brenda Combs

    Speaking fees for Dr. Brenda Combs, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Dr. Brenda Combs are $20,000 - $30,000 for live events and $10,000 - $20,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Dr. Brenda Combs, click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
  • What topics does Dr. Brenda Combs speak about?

  • Where does Dr. Brenda Combs travel from?

    Dr. Brenda Combs generally travels from Phoenix, AZ, USA, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent.
  • Who is Dr. Brenda Combs’s agent?

    AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully booked keynote speakers like Dr. Brenda Combs for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Dr. Brenda Combs for your next private or corporate function.
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Dr. Brenda Combs is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as From Rags to Enrichment, Maximize Your Net Worth, I Believe in Myself and From Homeless to Hero: Overcoming Trauma & Changing Your Life. The estimated speaking fee range to book Dr. Brenda Combs for your event is $20,000 - $30,000. Dr. Brenda Combs generally travels from Phoenix, AZ, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Judge Glenda Hatchett, Victoria Rowell, Stacey Bess, Elizabeth Smart and Michael Oher. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Dr. Brenda Combs for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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