Meet Brett Westbrook, Executive Director of Berkshire County Head Start, a county-wide early education organization that serves over 350 children. In celebration of Women in Business month, we spoke with the Pittsfield resident to learn what inspires her and has prepared her for this vital role in serving the Berkshire community.

What is your 3 sentence biography? / What is your personal elevator pitch?

I have a strong passion for community work, which has led me to so many meaningful opportunities. I love the work that I do and hope that every day I am able to make a difference in someone’s life, even if it’s in a small way.

Tell us about the challenges you faced on your path, and what you learned from it.

Balancing motherhood, higher education and working toward a career has been challenging. I am fortunate to have a strong support system rooting for me and helping me along the way. From my own experience, I know how essential it is to have people in your life who are willing to help you be successful. I strive to provide that support to others in my personal life and in my work.

What “secret to success” would you share with young women entering the (Berkshire) workforce?

Know your values and let that guide you into the type of work that you want to do. Don’t be afraid to have a presence and be heard. Be persistent and embrace opportunities for growth. Decide what you want in life and then go get it. Believe in yourself and know that you are capable of great things.

What Berkshire women in business inspire you and why?

Diane Robie of Lifepath, Shirley Edgerton of Pittsfield Public Schools and Kelly Marion of Gladys Allen Brigham Community Center are three of the many remarkable women that I have had the privilege of working with in the Berkshires. I have learned so much from them in my journey thus far. All of them have deepened my understanding of restorative practice, inclusion and the value of community work. Having women like them in my network is what helped me realize my potential which motivated me to get to where I am today.

Learn more: Berkshire County Head Start website

Thank you to our Women in Business Sponsor:

 

 

 

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Photo of Brett Westbrook courtesy: Berkshire Eagle / Photo of Brett Westbrook and Senator Adam Hinds courtesy: Berkshire County Head Start