A Symphony of Resilience
In her earliest recollection at the tender age of three, Brooke Richey’s curiosity sparked as she questioned the rationale behind bedtime solely due to darkness. This innocent inquiry, devoid of a logical explanation, foreshadowed her insatiable thirst for understanding the world around her. As the second eldest among four siblings and hailing from a rich tapestry of Croatian, Scottish, German, and Irish heritage—her German lineage tracing back to Russia until the 1800s—Brooke’s diverse background laid the foundation for her journey of resilience and achievement.
Growing up amidst a bustling household, Brooke’s fascination with music blossomed early, ignited by her deep-seated love for The Beatles and rock genres. However, her path was not without its trials. Wrestling with the weight of purity culture and inherited trauma, she confronted Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder following a pivotal event at the tender age of 15. Despite these challenges, Brooke embarked on a courageous journey of self-discovery and healing, seeking therapy, briefly exploring medication, and ultimately coaching herself through the labyrinth of her mind with resilience and introspection.
Balancing the demands of home and work life with an inherently variable nature, Brooke found equilibrium by establishing a commitment to
regular habits. With a dedicated music studio space both at home and away, she seamlessly integrated her personal and professional pursuits. However, finding her rhythm took several years of trial and error for Brooke as she dealt with her C-PTSD.
In her astute evaluation of the current organizational culture for working women, Brooke observes that while corporations often espouse public statements regarding gender equality, genuine change hinges on unwavering leadership commitment. She advocates for authentic efforts to address systemic issues, rather than sweeping them under the rug to maintain comfort. Brooke firmly believes that businesses embracing equal opportunities for women hold the key to unlocking limitless potential in revenue and reach.
In her quest to empower women in the workplace, Brooke advocates for a proactive approach, urging women to recognize when support, value, or respect are lacking and to seek nurturing environments. Drawing from her own experiences, she emphasizes the importance of advocating for oneself, whether it be negotiating for higher compensation or asserting one’s worth in a professional setting.
Reflecting on her journey as a woman leader, Brooke identifies the challenge of earning respect as a significant hurdle in her career. Despite facing biases and attempts at manipulation or abuse, she maintains a steadfast zero-tolerance policy and swiftly removes herself from situations lacking respect.
Brooke draws inspiration from mentors such as her paternal grandmother, who always exemplified power in peace, and nurtured Brooke’s growing and development along every step of her journey. Additionally, she finds solace and motivation in the words of Hildur Guðnadóttir, whose speech at the 2020 Oscars reaffirmed Brooke’s commitment to her craft.
On a typical Saturday morning, one can find Brooke immersing herself in outdoor adventures, exploring mountainous terrain in her newly acquired Jeep, or engaging in group workout sessions at a local CrossFit gym. In her moments of leisure, she indulges her passion for baking, crafting delicious treats while finding solace in reading, currently immersed in Geddy Lee’s autobiography, “My ‘Effin Life.” Despite grappling with inherited bi-generational trauma, she navigates the healing process with resilience, embodying her miraculous journey of survival and growth.
Brooke’s passion for storytelling is deeply rooted in her journey of resilience and self-discovery. Overcoming memory loss from a traumatic event, she now represents women in leadership, coaching herself to unearth the missing pieces of her story and inspire others to do the same.
In her professional endeavors, Brooke’s achievements are nothing short of remarkable. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, she independently recorded her first indie-rock album, “False Identities,” which garnered widespread recognition and was featured in Lifetime films, popular podcasts, and licensed for television media by Kobalt Music. Additionally, Brooke has made significant strides as a film composer, with her work featured in various short films post-graduation from the Seattle Film Institute.
Amongst her many accolades are: MVP Tennis Singles, Wilson High School, Tacoma Washington, May 2011 Most Musically Talented, Wilson High School, June 2011, Member of The Year, Wilson High School Jazz Choir, June 2011 Leading Senior Choir Member (female), Wilson High School, June 2011, Woodrow Wilson High School, Magna Cum Laude Graduate, Tacoma, Washington, June 2011 Tacoma Elks Scholarship, Tacoma Elks Club, June 2011, Marcus Trufant Foundation Scholarship, Tacoma, Washington, June 2011, September 2012 SPU Alumni Scholarship (annual) 2012-2015; Seattle Pacific University, Bachelor of Arts, Music Composition, Minor, Worship Arts, Seattle Pacific University, Cum Laude Graduate, December 2015, Musicians Foundation Grant recipient, April 2020, Seattle, Washington Merit Scholarship, 2020-21, PNWFS at Seattle Film Institute, Master of Music, Film Scoring, PNWFS at Seattle Film Institute, July 2021 Musicares Grant recipient, Seattle, Washington, June 2023, and Film Audience Favorite, Eye of The Lamb, Seattle 48HFP, Seattle, Washington, August 2023
Her message to the readers resonates deeply, emphasizing the power of curiosity as a guiding principle for growth and development. Brooke encourages embracing brokenness as an opportunity for transformation and urges viewers to extend acts of kindness to those in need. Brooke’s journey is an inspiration for all, a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and the unwavering pursuit of one’s passions.
