Over the past twenty years, I have helped organizations in Alaska and Minnesota navigate change through facilitation, strategic planning and visioning. As part of this process, I often involve the whole organization in assessing, adapting and recommitting to its mission. I leave them with knowledge and tools to move forward on their own and remain available for check-in or follow-up.
-Brenda
Services
Facilitation
Needs Assessment & Program Evaluation
Strategic Planning
Volunteer Management & Civic Engagement
Project Management
Conference & Event Planning
About
I get nonprofits. I understand that there is rarely enough time and money for the important work that needs to be done. I’ve been an executive director of two nonprofits as well as a volunteer center and have served on many boards and commissions over the past 35 years. As a seasoned consultant, I have walked alongside dozens of nonprofits and organizations dealing with a wide range of situations and challenges.
My greatest reward is helping organizations see their possibilities, determine and embrace their direction, plan how they will assess progress and know when to adapt their strategies to reach their intended outcomes.
Testimonials
“Brenda demonstrates extreme competencies in understanding the complex services Community Action Agencies provide as well as demonstrating the empathy and understanding of the needs of the consumers served. She was able to effectively lead us in our planning and development strategies.“
Brenda is well-versed in so many facets of a non-profit’s needs and has been the perfect facilitator for strategic planning and team building sessions. She is fun, fast-paced and works to gain buy-in and consensus. We highly recommend Brenda Holden if you want to inspire, motivate and engage your nonprofit leadership!”
“When Brenda and her family lived in our Alaska Native village for six years, they truly became part of our community. The elders and families trusted them. After they moved to Fairbanks, I attended regional meetings that Brenda facilitated for Tanana Chiefs Conference on a variety of issues of concern to our 42 Interior Alaska Native tribes. Brenda is good at listening and gives good feedback. You can tell she puts her heart into it and really cares. I tell her that Northway will always be her Alaska hometown.”
Brenda was invaluable during our expansion and the insights she provided assisted us at every level. Her own experience living in a small Alaska Native village was useful as she visited villages to learn local perspectives.
Brenda truly cares about the work she does – and it shows. She helped us navigate tricky staff situations and helped us all stay mission-focused in everything we did. Her enthusiasm and belief in the potential of people was an inspiration to us.”
Along with her focus on working efficiently and effectively, Brenda has a great sense of humor, and that comes through in client sessions, helping everyone participate openly and feel comfortable with the process and the outcomes achieved.”