Trinity Development Alliance (TDA) is pleased to welcome Brenda Kuhns. Brenda was elected to serve as Secretary of the TDA Board of Directors. She brings a wealth of experience, energy, and passion from both the for-profit and nonprofit sectors, along with a deep curiosity for learning and new experiences.
“On behalf of the Board of Directors and the entire Trinity Development Alliance team, I am pleased to welcome Brenda Kuhns to our Board of Directors as Secretary,” said Kirsten Dernbach, President of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of TDA. “Brenda brings an exceptional combination of nonprofit leadership, marketing expertise, and community engagement experience that aligns perfectly with TDA’s mission of preserving affordable housing and strengthening communities. Her proven track record of building partnerships, advancing organizational growth, and serving vulnerable populations will be an invaluable asset as we continue expanding our impact across the communities we serve. We are excited to benefit from her leadership and perspective as TDA enters its next phase of growth.”
Brenda’s background offers even more insight into the perspective she brings to her new role.
Born and raised in Eastern Washington, Brenda later moved to Seattle to earn her BA from the University of Washington. From there, she unexpectedly launched her career in marketing, which evolved into an exciting three-decade journey in the technology industry. Throughout her career, Brenda’s leadership has helped shape innovative products, services, and processes.
Her work also took her around the world, sparking a love for exploring unfamiliar places, experiencing diverse cultures, and discovering global cuisines. Combined with her love of the outdoors, Brenda loves to embrace adventure wherever she finds it.
Brenda has also long been committed to giving back to her community. For more than 15 years, she led the Seattle chapter of StandUp For Kids, a volunteer-run nonprofit supporting at-risk and homeless youth. Through weekly outreach, the team provided food, hygiene supplies, and connections to critical resources and services.
“It was one of the most meaningful and rewarding experiences of my life,” Brenda shares.
Now, Brenda begins a new chapter of service with TDA.
“I first learned about TDA through my childhood friend, Kirsten Dernbach, who leads the organization,” she says. “For years, she spoke about her passion for creating meaningful nonprofit work that supports communities year-round. When she turned that vision into reality, I was eager to be part of it.”
Brenda’s experience has shaped her perspective on one of today’s most pressing issues—affordable housing.
“At StandUp For Kids, one of the greatest challenges we faced was affordable housing and the many barriers individuals encounter when trying to access stable housing,” she explains. “TDA’s mission to empower individuals through stable, affordable housing strongly resonates with me and closely aligns with the work I’ve been passionate about in the Seattle community.”
She adds, “Affordable housing deeply impacts stability, opportunity, and quality of life. When people cannot access safe, stable housing, it affects everything—from education and healthcare to employment and overall well-being. It also places strain on entire communities. Affordable housing isn’t just about shelter—it’s about building stronger, healthier communities where people can thrive.”
Looking ahead, Brenda sees TDA playing both an immediate and long-term role in addressing these challenges.
“In the short term, TDA helps individuals and families access safe housing, connect with essential resources, and remove barriers to stability,” she says. “In the long term, the goal is to drive lasting change by expanding access to affordable housing and empowering individuals toward independence.”
“Success means not only helping people find housing today, but creating stronger, more equitable communities that support future generations.”
