Becky Brett embodies the spirit of aloha and the values of community and collaboration, bringing her expertise in nonprofit leadership to Hawai’i Island. Since 2016, she has guided over 150 nonprofit leaders in raising more than $37 million collectively, focusing on the empowerment of teams, alignment of board leadership, and the nurturing of resilience in the face of challenges.
As the Development Director for the ChangeMakers team, Becky is dedicated to building meaningful relationships and sustainable funding streams that support the growth of businesses and nonprofits across the islands. She understands how important it is to mālama both the community and its resources, fostering partnerships grounded in mutual respect and shared vision.
Before her journey to Hawai’i, Becky was an award-winning festival producer in Chicago, Atlanta, and Princeton, creating over 7,000 events that brought joy and connection to more than 1.3 million people.
In 2012, she became the inaugural executive director for the Virginia Highlands Festival, a 75-year-old multi-arts festival that connects diverse audiences and celebrates artistic expression rooted in the Appalachian mountains. She doubled sponsorship dollars in her first year by revitalizing fundraising efforts and enhancing community engagement.
Her innovative approach to programming and community involvement at VHF culminated in a TEDxHickory talk titled “The Art of Connection,” where she shared insights into the power of relationships in fostering vibrant communities and creative problem-solving.
A proud graduate of Northwestern University, Becky began her career in the dynamic cultural scene of Chicago, working with organizations such as the Lyric Opera of Chicago and the Chicago Humanities Festival. Her passion for the arts and cultural exchange has led her to produce programs and festivals across the United States, including international collaborations, since 1992.
In her personal life, Becky is a lifelong learner and creative spirit, teaching and performing improv comedy with Big Island Comedy Theater in Hilo. Her superpower lies in lightening heavy situations, and she finds endless delight in the beauty and complexity of humanity. Often, you can find her exploring the majestic landscapes of Hawai’i, from the lava cliffs by the ocean with her dog, Oakley, to the serene heights of Mauna Loa, where she connects with the stars and the rich mana of the land.
Fund Development Director, responsible for building the relationships and funding streams that will support future businesses and nonprofits across Hawai’i Island.
Since 2016 Becky Brett has helped more than 150 nonprofit leaders raise over $37M collectively for their organizations by empowering their teams, aligning their board leadership, and beating back burnout.
Prior to moving to Hawai’i, Becky was an award-winning festival producer, having created over 7,000 events for more than 1.3 million people. She has served as executive director of the Virginia Highlands Festival in Abingdon, Virginia, interim executive director at The Princeton Festival in Princeton, New Jersey, and played a key role in the Chicago Improv Festival as it transitioned from a for-profit to a nonprofit organization.