"Inspiring people to think together, reflect together, inquire together and act courageously."
-Inspired by Margaret Wheatley
Brenda Blasingame
Social Sector Consultant
Brenda Blasingame is a social sector consultant and change agent. During her professional career Ms. Blasingame’s has focused on systems change efforts that are addressing issues that most impact the lives of children, families and communities marginalized by racial injustices and social inequities. In her work she is and has been persistently committed to issues of justice & equity, diversity & inclusion, and belonging & liberation.
Ms. Blasingame brings over three decades of experience working on public health issues such as child abuse prevention, tobacco prevention, homelessness, psycho-social well-being, maternal child health and birth equity. She has worked for over two decades specifically on early childhood/early learning systems development working across issue areas and sectors. She has worked at the executive (Founding Executive Director Contra Costa County First Five and HealthConnect One) and senior management level (Director of Programs for Thrive by Five Washington and Senior Director Programs and Partnerships for Save the Children). Brenda’s professional experience spans working in three sectors: non-profit, government/public and philanthropy at the local, state and national level.
Brenda brings to her work four areas of experience that give her a unique perspective
Extensive knowledge of issues of equity and justice, diversity and inclusion
Knowledge and experience working on issues that impact families, communities and public systems
The experience and insights of being a funder
Understanding the complexity of systems change and community building efforts
Ms. Blasingame received her B.A. in Psychology from Rollins College in Florida and a Master’s Degree in Organizational Psychology from John F. Kennedy University in California. She has served on numerous boards, committees, and commissions. Nationally she has facilitated workshops and been a guest speaker/keynote and is a published author. Over the years, she has earned a reputation as a respected leader, facilitator, change agent, and an initiative-taking outspoken advocate for justice and equity.
Possessing a deep passion and strong vision of creating a world where every child has the opportunities needed to thrive and flourish, Ms. Blasingame is a consultant that works as a thought partner, critical friend (i), idea catalyst (ii), facilitator, guide, and space-holder.
i A critical friend can be defined as a trusted person who asks provocative questions, provides data to be examined through another lens. A critical friend takes the time to fully understand the context of the work presented and the outcomes that the person or group is working toward. The critical friend is an advocate for the success of that work.
ii An idea catalyst is someone with content knowledge and experience, curiosity, imagination, and enthusiasm who is energized by the opportunity to examine and solve challenges.