Brenda Burns
Washington
Brenda Burns, a self described optimist, joined Give Something Back in January 2021 as the Washington State Program Director, bringing more than a decade of experience in higher education and nonprofit leadership. Today, she serves as the National Programming Director. She holds a master’s degree in Higher Education and Nonprofit Leadership from Central Washington University and previously served in university roles focused on International Education and Study Abroad.
At Give Back, Brenda leads the organization’s efforts to provide meaningful programming that reinforces our primary Give Back values to increase our students educational and economic fluency, resiliency and to foster a positive community. She contributes tremendously to the organization's work to provide scholarships and long-term mentoring to students who have faced significant adversity, including those who have experienced foster care, the incarceration of a parent, or homelessness. Since its founding, Give Back has awarded over $83 million in scholarships and supported more than 2,000 scholars across the country in accessing a debt-free college education — and Brenda has played a key role in expanding this impact in Washington State and nationally.
A fierce advocate for education equity, Brenda is deeply committed to creating pathways for traditionally underserved students. Her work is driven by a belief in the transformative power of access, community, and support that extends far beyond tuition assistance.
Originally from North Idaho, Brenda earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Idaho, where she was a scholarship student-athlete. She now lives in Olympia, WA with her husband and two children, where she volunteers at their schools and remains an active presence in her community.