Testimonials
Brenda, your participation in the Night of Sophistication at Syracuse University hosted by the MSU organization was one of the most inspiring presentations I have ever heard, and I believe I speak for the majority of the audience. A spectacular, unforgettable night.
- Syracuse University
Brenda is a powerful speaker. She is engaging and compelling. Brenda definitely made a lasting impression on all those who heard her incredible story.
- United Way of Rhode Island
Please extend my thanks for Dr. Combs for her participation in our commencement exercises. Her story was an inspiration to our students and parents. One gentleman told me afterwards that her presentation "changed his life."
- Faith Christian School
It is with great honor and distinction to write a reference letter on behalf of Ms. Brenda Combs. I teach a Business and an AVID (Advanceemnt Vis Individual Determination) class at Powell Junior
High School in Mesa, AZ. I have been teaching for 13 years.
During the fall of 2007, I made a commitment to my AVID students to have two guest speakers a month. AVID is a fourth through twelfth grade system to prepare students in the academic middle for four-year college eligibility. It has a proven track record in bringing out the best in students, and in closing the achievement gap. As I started to put the list together of dynamic speakers, I remembered a story of a woman who had overcome adversity at a graduation I attended in May for Grand Canyon University. I was very inspired by her story that I have decided to obtain my doctorate degree.
The AVID students need strong role models in their life because they have a lot of obstacles that keep them from succeeding. I felt like Ms. Combs’ story would definitely inspire and motivate young junior high students to not only go to college but to help other people along the way. Ms.
Combs’ presentation at Powell Junior High School on February 15, 2008, made a positive impact for 8 th and 9 th graders that were in the group. We originally had my AVID class of 20 students but I invited a 9 th grade Algebra class of 25 students. The Algebra teacher informed me that day before 23 out of 25 students did not pass their math test.
Ms. Brenda Combs prepared a very inspiring presentation describing her story of growing up with drugs and alcohol and eventually becoming homeless. She also presented a short video on her life that was moving and touching to me and the students. What I appreciated the most is that
313 Washington Street, Suite 225 | Newton, MA 02458 | Phone: 617.614.1600 | Fax: 617.965.6610 | apbspeakers.com

Ms. Combs traveled a distance to come to our school and share a time in her life that wasn’t so easy to talk about. I also appreciated her willingness to answer questions that the students had.
Her presentation was dynamic and moving for the students and me.
-Instructional Specialist
Powell Junior High School
I am an 8 th grader in Powell Jr. High and I attended your presentation.
You talked to us about your struggle through life. I hope your life is all good now and that your son stays healthy. I got inspired by you because even though you went through the horrible experiences you still graduated from college and made your life better. Thank you for coming to my school and guest speaking.
-Student
Powell Junior High School
I am an 8 th grade AVID student at Powell Junior High. You came and spoke to us on Friday,
February 15. You told us how you used to live before now. I can’t believe you lived under a bridge for 10 years. It is amazing how you graduated on a Friday and started college on a
Monday. You got shot, tried all types of drugs, and got stabbed by a broken beer bottle. That’s crazy. I’m glad someone stole your shoes and you decided to go and improve.
That you for guest speaking to us. You talked to us about how you improved in life and that makes us want to be successful as well. Thank you so much for taking time and coming.
-Student
Powell Junior High School
I have been a subscriber to your publication for more than 10 years and this is the first I have ever attempted to contact you. I read the article on Brenda Combs and admire her tenacity and courage. I started my "full time" career choice as a teacher. I also planned on having children of my own. As a result I have in my possession several children's books in perfect condition. Dr Seuss early reader and young reader books, Bernstein Bears, and Little Critter books, just to name a few. I was not able to have children and being a teacher became too dangerous so these books are sitting in my home feeling neglected. I would like to donate these books to Ms. Combs to help her establish her school. I am not able to donate financially, but would be happy to ship these books to her if she is interested. Ms. Combs and the work she is doing deserves any and all support she can get.
-Readers Digest Subscriber
313 Washington Street, Suite 225 | Newton, MA 02458 | Phone: 617.614.1600 | Fax: 617.965.6610 | apbspeakers.com

Thank you for sharing your wonderful story. And thank you for coming to Dalewood Middle
School. We enjoyed your thrilling story. And I appreciate your coming to share that with us.
-Student
Dalewood Middle School
Nashville, TN
Thank you for coming to Dalewood Middle School. We really enjoyed you telling us your story. It was interesting. It was a great story. And you really can sing. You made me feel that I can be whatever I want to be.
-Student
Dalewood Middle School
Nashville, TN
Dear Brenda, it was a great pleasure to meet with you yesterday. On behalf of the board, staff and guests here at Rosie’s Place thank you so much for your inspiring talk. Rosie’s Place relies on the thoughtfulness and generosity of individuals like you, whose support makes such a difference in our community. From all of here at Rosie’s Place, thank you so much for thinking of us and the women we serve. It is heartwarming to know we have your support. Thank you for sharing our hope that a better future is possible and I hope to be able to continue building our partnership going forward.
-Arts Initiative Program Coordinator, Rosie's Place
Thank you so much for coming to Rosie’s Place yesterday! Brenda – your speech was so inspiring to our guests – thank you for sharing!
-Communications Assistant, Rosie’s Place
Thanks again for the wonderful presentation to our youth. We really enjoyed Brenda’s story and were very glad she could come to our event.
-Mohave County Tobacco Use Prevention Program
313 Washington Street, Suite 225 | Newton, MA 02458 | Phone: 617.614.1600 | Fax: 617.965.6610 | apbspeakers.com