Brenda Combs

Brenda Rena Combs is Ambassador of Inspiration & Achievement at the Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona. She was previously an Elementary Educator at the Starshine Academy, Phoenix. Combs went from homeless to becoming a respected teacher. Her autobiography “In My Shoes” will be available in late 2008.

She has been named one of the best teachers of the year for the 2005–2006 school year. She was also listed on the National Deans List in 2004, 2005, and 2006.

Some of her accomplishments include:

• Letter of recognition from First Lady Laura Bush in May 2007
• Distinguished Teacher Award from Grand Canyon University 2007
• Who's Who Among America's Teachers
• Spirit of Education Award - University of Phoenix
• Member of Cambridge Who's Who
• Phoenix Mercury WNBA 2008 Inspiring Woman of the Year Award

• http://www.paridymeweb.com/starshine/teacher.aspx?Page=6 Archived November 2, 2007, at the Wayback Machine.
• Survival Stories: Drug Addict to Class Act: "I've Been There" | Colleges | Reader's Digest Archived August 27, 2008, at the Wayback Machine.
• http://www.azfamily.com/news/local/stories/KTVKLNews20070223_brenda-combs_homeless_hero.8123740.html Archived November 6, 2007, at the Wayback Machine.
• http://adcprisoninfo.az.gov/AR99/99Awards.htm Archived November 12, 2004, at the Wayback Machine.
• Brenda R. Combs | Finding My Shoes Foundation Arizona 85009 Archived December 22, 2010, at WebCite
• MERCURY: Inspirational Women Honored Archived December 22, 2010, at WebCite