Her Story
About Alysha
Alysha Sherburne is the inaugural Executive Director of Big River Community Land Trust, a nonprofit organization dedicated to developing and stewarding permanently affordable homes in the Columbia River Gorge. With a background that spans real estate, community engagement, and housing counseling, she brings a well-rounded and deeply personal commitment to addressing housing accessibility in underserved communities. Her path into this work was driven by a genuine desire to uplift the people around her — a value that has guided every professional decision she has made. Prior to her current role, she served as Community Engagement Manager and Housing Counselor at OPAL Community Land Trust on Orcas Island, Washington, where she sharpened her expertise in housing advocacy and community outreach before taking on the challenge of leading an emerging land trust from the ground up. In her role as the organization's sole employee, Alysha manages the full scope of the land trust's operations — from providing direct support to homeowners and buyers, to coordinating a 42-home development project alongside developers and contractors, to securing state and federal funding critical to the organization's sustainability. She holds credentials as a U.S. HUD Certified Housing Counselor and is Certified in Nonprofit Management through the University of Washington, a milestone she achieved with the encouragement of her board and one that significantly strengthened her leadership confidence. Her work extends beyond the office as well — she has spoken at city town halls and engages with local nonprofits, housing authorities, and economic development councils to build community awareness and advocate for the resources needed to make affordable housing a reality for more families in the Gorge. Alysha's approach to leadership is grounded in resilience, collaboration, and a steadfast commitment to her values. She credits her success to the strong personal and professional support systems she has cultivated over the years, as well as her willingness to step into new challenges even in the face of uncertainty. She is a firm believer in using one's voice as a catalyst for change — a conviction she actively passes on to the next generation of women entering the nonprofit and housing sectors. With rising costs and shrinking government subsidies placing increasing pressure on affordable housing organizations nationwide, Alysha remains focused and determined, continuing to forge partnerships and secure the funding necessary to ensure that the communities she serves can thrive for generations to come.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Alysha
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the strong support systems I have built both personally and professionally. On a personal level, my close family and friends have been an unwavering source of encouragement. Professionally, I am fortunate to be surrounded by knowledgeable colleagues who are genuinely invested in our organization's success. I also credit obtaining my certification in nonprofit management — made possible with the support of my board — which significantly strengthened my confidence as a leader. Additionally, regularly engaging in public speaking has continued to build my confidence over time and has allowed me to advocate more effectively for our mission.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received is to pursue opportunities even when I feel scared or uncertain. As a former colleague of mine put it, "If you're not willing to take a risk then you're never going to get anywhere". Fear can be a powerful deterrent, but I have learned that allowing it to hold me back from new roles or challenges would be far more costly than taking the leap. That guidance has shaped how I approach every new opportunity — including stepping into this executive director role — and it continues to influence how I lead today.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this field is to stand your ground and stay rooted in your values — they will serve as your compass when things get difficult. Do not be afraid to speak up and share your perspective, especially when it is grounded in your own experience. Your voice has the power to create meaningful change. The worst that can happen when you speak up is that someone pushes back — but never using your voice at all is a far greater loss.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The most significant challenge facing our field right now is funding. Costs across the board — land, materials, and labor — have risen dramatically, while government funding has not kept pace with what is actually needed. We are now seeing gaps that require hundreds of thousands of dollars in subsidies per unit just to make housing affordable and viable. Navigating this funding landscape is one of the most pressing issues in affordable housing today, and it requires creative, persistent, and multi-pronged approaches to secure the resources our communities need.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me center on community, support, and continuous growth. I believe deeply in the power of strong relationships — both the personal connections that sustain me and the professional networks that make our work possible. I value the courage to grow beyond your comfort zone, as demonstrated by my pursuit of nonprofit management certification and my commitment to public speaking. I also value integrity and purpose — showing up every day for the people and communities we serve, and doing so with intention and dedication.
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