Today we’d like to introduce you to Brandy Strand
Hi Brandy, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’m Brandy, a first-generation college graduate with degrees in Psychology (emphasizing adolescent development) and Sociology (focusing on working with diverse communities). My journey has been shaped by my deep belief in the power of people and the idea that the cycle of poverty can be broken.
I was raised by my teen mom and grandma, alongside my younger sister and eight younger cousins. Growing up in a close-knit family in the same area, I saw firsthand the challenges that come with limited resources—but also the strength, resilience, and potential within communities. Those experiences fueled my passion for advocacy, social change, and creating opportunities for others.
My education and personal journey have led me to work that aligns with my values—uplifting communities, preserving culture, and ensuring that history and heritage remain accessible to all.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road. I married at the age of 18, and things didn’t work out as I hoped. Three years later, I left that marriage after experiencing domestic violence. It was a pivotal moment in my life, one that pushed me to make a change and focus on improving myself. But I quickly realized that no one in my family or community had the experience of going to college or knew how to navigate paying for it. I had to figure it out on my own.
I started by attending Salt Lake Community College, where I earned my associate’s degree. From there, I transferred to the University of Utah, where I earned two additional degrees in Psychology and Sociology. That journey, with all its challenges, shaped who I am today and plays a major role in how I approach my work. It’s why I’m so passionate about focusing on local and grassroots efforts to elevate communities and individuals in ways that truly matter to them. My story has always been about resilience, self-improvement, and finding solutions that empower others to break the cycles that hold them back.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My career has been a journey driven by a deep desire to impact my community and make a difference in people’s lives. Right out of college, I knew I wanted to work in the nonprofit sector to make an immediate impact. I began by working with afterschool programs across the state of Utah, where I helped deliver quality programming. This experience was transformative, as it opened my eyes to the diverse lived experiences across the state and helped me understand the importance of uplifting communities in ways that matter to them.
I then moved into working with the Girl Scouts, where I delivered empowering programming for both girls and adults throughout Utah. This role kept me closely connected to the community, reinforcing my belief in the power of people to create change when given the right resources and support.
Afterward, I worked at the Utah Nonprofits Association, where I supported nonprofits across a variety of specialties, helping them improve their operations and continue to serve their communities effectively. Through this experience, I gained a broader understanding of the nonprofit sector and the importance of operational sustainability to make a lasting impact.
Now, I’m proud to serve as the Executive Director of Preservation Utah, a position I’ve worked toward for many years. I didn’t want to just step into any executive director role—I wanted to be in a place where I could make real, intentional, and sustainable change. I found that here. At Preservation Utah, I’ve had the opportunity to break down barriers of privilege within the field of preservation, partnering with neighborhoods and communities to protect their historical assets while also improving their economic outcomes.
It’s not an easy process. Gaining the trust of communities who could benefit from our work takes time, patience, and a genuine commitment to serving their needs. What sets me apart is my understanding of the intersection between community needs, economic development, and cultural preservation. My career has always been about empowering others and ensuring that the solutions we provide are truly rooted in the values and aspirations of the communities we serve.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Something surprising that most people might not know about me is that I’m a survivor of domestic violence. This experience has profoundly shaped who I am today. It’s given me a constant drive to overcome the societal barriers that are often placed on women and to unapologetically take up space in spaces where women’s voices and leadership are too often overlooked. My personal journey fuels my professional work—whether in nonprofits or in preservation—because I’m committed to breaking down those barriers, advocating for others, and ensuring that women, especially in underrepresented communities, are empowered to stand up, speak out, and make their voices heard.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.preservationutah.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/preservationutah/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/preservationutah
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandy-strand-6828b437/
