Her Story
About Brandy
Brandy Colebrook is an accomplished land conservation professional and currently serves as Executive Director of the New York Agricultural Land Trust (NYALT) in Syracuse, New York. In this role, Brandy leads efforts to protect agricultural land, build partnerships with landowners and government agencies, secure funding, and oversee conservation easement stewardship. During her tenure, NYALT has preserved more than 5,000 acres of farmland through conservation easements, reflecting Brandy’s commitment to protecting agricultural resources for future generations.
Brandy’s career has been shaped by a strong foundation in environmental and agricultural work. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Biology from Purdue University and initially envisioned a career in wildlife management. After college, Brandy spent two years in West Africa as a Peace Corps environmental volunteer, where she contributed to environmental and agricultural education programs, including initiatives supporting women’s groups in rural communities. After returning to the United States, she worked in environmental and outdoor education before moving to Syracuse, where her involvement in community gardening eventually led her to work with an incubator farm serving refugees and immigrants. There, Brandy helped participants access farmland and develop vegetable farming operations.
Throughout her career, Brandy has combined environmental stewardship, community engagement, agriculture, and nonprofit leadership. Her experience managing agricultural programs and grants, developing partnerships, and working directly with diverse communities prepared her for her current role in farmland conservation. Brandy credits her success to being willing to try new things, recognizing opportunities when they arise, and drawing inspiration from her hardworking parents. She places a high value on honesty and straightforward communication, while her work in conservation has reinforced the importance of taking a long-term perspective and protecting resources for generations to come.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Brandy
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to being open to new experiences, recognizing opportunities, and having the courage to take chances. Rather than following one fixed career path, I’ve allowed each experience to shape my journey, while being inspired by the strong work ethic of my parents.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received is to always give my best effort, regardless of the task, while staying flexible and maintaining a strong work ethic. At the same time, I’ve learned the importance of standing up for myself, setting healthy boundaries, and knowing when to advocate for what I need.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering my industry is to be confident, speak up, and trust your instincts. Your perspective and opinions have value, so don’t be afraid to share them. Most importantly, never see yourself as less capable or different from anyone else in the room.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is the long-term responsibility of land conservation. Conservation commitments can last indefinitely, requiring us to think far beyond the present and ensure we have the resources, structure, and sustainable practices needed to steward thousands of acres for generations to come.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are honesty, clear communication, and maintaining a long-term perspective. I believe being straightforward builds trust and stronger relationships, while thinking beyond the present helps me make thoughtful decisions and prepare for the future, both professionally and personally.
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