When her marriage ended, Irene Brennick was left with two small children and little capacity to support her family. She received no child support, had no college education, and no particular job skills.
She received little family support and didn't even own a car. She took on three part-time jobs, yet many bills remained unpaid. In desperation, Brennick dropped her pride and became a welfare mom. She sought the aid of non-profit groups and took classes at California State University, Northridge. Through perseverance, she graduated in 1994 with honors.
Brennick now helps others. Within a few short years, she went from welfare mom to featured speaker for the United Way of Los Angeles and the Jewish Federation. She has addressed tens of thousands of people and her story has been featured in the L.A. Times, Daily News, and on television and radio. She is also a published author.
Irene shares her story of overcoming adversity with tens of thousands of people, bringing audiences to tears and cheers. She has inspired corporate CEOs and millionaires as well as politicians, blue collar workers, high school students, and even gang members. Ms. Brennick also speaks on topics that include finding one’s purpose in life, and the importance of giving back. She also consults with numerous charities and teaches how to recruit and motivate volunteers. Her awards include:
• Employee of the Year from The Jewish Federation of Los Angeles
• Outstanding Alumni from Pierce College
• Mother of the Year from the Sertoma Club
• Frist Humanitarian Award from Hospital Corporation of America
Ms. Brennick also founded the GOALmodels speaking program for at risk teens – a program that links students with the likes of Brenda Hampton (creator of the show 7th Heaven), Los Angeles Mayor James Hahn, and Catherine Ryan Hyde (author of Pay It Forward). This weekly, interactive speaking program motivates youth to set and achieve positive goals in their lives. Through the program, students meet corporate executives, political figures, entrepreneurs, and media and entertainment figures who share personal secrets for success as well as mistakes they’ve made and lessons learned.
Irene currently manages over 700 volunteers at Los Robles Hospital in Thousand Oaks, California and puts on health and education events as their Director of Community Services.
Irene has also taught a seminar on public speaking called “Anyone Can Do It” at Ventura College. Her classes follow the steps from her book: Bring Your Audience to Their Feet.
Irene is an accomplished singer and songwriter and also deeply involved in charity work. Her original song “People Like You” can be found on You Tube and is used throughout the country to honor and thank everyday heroes and volunteers.
