Meet Yvette Brooks | Executive Director of Through the Trees

We had the good fortune of connecting with Yvette Brooks and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Yvette, how do you think about risk?
I’ve been a risk-taker my whole adult life, but it became especially evident when my husband and I made the bold decision to step away from the daily grind and embrace full-time travel with our children. In 2016, we were deeply rooted in Mesa, AZ, surrounded by family and friends, but we felt a strong pull for change. Instead of waiting for “someday,” we took the leap—buying an RV, getting passports, and setting off to explore the U.S., Canada, and Mexico with our four kids.

That experience was life-changing. We visited museums, state and national parks, and immersed ourselves in the incredible diversity of North America. A few months into our journey, we realized that beyond travel, we wanted to make a more permanent change. We asked ourselves: If we were going to uproot our lives, why not be intentional about where we landed?

So, we created a list of what we valued most in a community—walkability, a strong sense of connection, a vibrant college-town atmosphere, and engaged neighbors. This search for our “Goldilocks Town” ultimately led us to Brevard, NC, which has been the perfect fit for our family. Taking that initial risk—leaving behind a conventional lifestyle—opened doors we never imagined, allowing us to design a life aligned with our values.

For me, risk isn’t about recklessness; it’s about having the courage to pursue a life that truly fulfills you, even when the path is uncertain. Every major growth moment in my life has come from a willingness to embrace change and step into the unknown.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
TtT is built on a rare and impactful mission—bridging the digital divide. There are only a handful of nonprofits tackling this issue at the state and national levels, and we are proud to be one of them.

Our journey began with a simple but powerful initiative: providing internet subsidies to low-income households. Recognizing an even greater need, we expanded our efforts to collecting, refurbishing, and redistributing computers. The response from the community was overwhelming, and demand quickly outpaced supply. This led us to open UpCycle Tech, a thrift store where anyone can purchase affordable refurbished computers, tablets, and cell phones, with all proceeds directly supporting our mission.

As we grew, we didn’t stop at just providing technology—we also focused on digital literacy, offering both one-on-one and group training to ensure that access to devices translated into meaningful use. Additionally, from day one, we have been strong advocates for better broadband speeds in our region, working to create long-term solutions for connectivity.

When we first started, there were no grants dedicated to this issue. We had to forge our own path, relying on creativity, community support, and persistence. Today, awareness and funding for digital equity have grown, and after years of proving our commitment, we’re in a strong position to leverage these new opportunities. It’s incredibly rewarding to see how our impact has expanded beyond our county into Buncombe and Henderson counties, and we are excited for what’s ahead.

Collaboration has been key to our success. By working closely with local and regional partners, we’ve amplified our reach and made strategic decisions about where to focus our efforts. We’ve also learned when to pivot. For example, while we originally accepted a broad range of tech donations, we’ve chosen to concentrate on computers and move away from printers and audio equipment—areas better suited for other organizations. Now, we’re taking the next big step: moving into a larger store to serve even more people.

TtT isn’t just about technology—it’s about opportunity. Digital access is essential in today’s world, and we believe that no one should be left behind due to economic barriers. Our mission is to make sure that individuals and families, regardless of income, have the tools and knowledge to thrive in an increasingly digital society.

This work isn’t always easy, but it’s always worth it. We are proud of the impact we’ve made so far and excited to keep pushing forward, ensuring that digital access is a right, not a privilege.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
This question is easy. I moved here 8 years ago and love hosting friends and family. When family visits us in Brevard for a week, I make sure they got the full experience of what makes this town so special—great music, breathtaking nature, delicious food, and the welcoming community that makes this place feel like home.

We’d kick things off with a night of live music at 185 King Street, my favorite indoor/outdoor venue that hosts incredible local and traveling musicians year-round. It’s the perfect spot to relax with a drink and soak in the vibrant energy of Brevard’s music scene.

No visit to Brevard is complete without experiencing our stunning waterfalls—we are, after all, in the Land of the Waterfalls! Depending on our mood, we could either take on a challenging but rewarding hike to one of the many hidden gems in Pisgah National Forest or opt for an easier but equally stunning visit to Looking Glass Falls, which is easily accessible by car. Regardless of the route, it’s a magical way to connect with nature, no matter your physical ability.

For food, we’d start the day with brunch at Morning Social, where we’d enjoy amazing coffee and a hearty Southern-style breakfast. In the evening, we’d head to Sora for some of the best sushi in the area—because no trip is complete without a delicious dinner in great company.

One of the best things about Brevard is its sense of community, so as we explore downtown, grab coffee, or visit the local shops, we’d inevitably bump into friendly faces I know. That’s what I love most—introducing my friend to the wonderful people who make this town feel so special.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to give my deepest thanks to my husband, who has been my dreamer, doer, and biggest supporter from the very beginning. He has always encouraged me to chase my passions and has been by my side every step of the way, especially with the creation and growth of my nonprofit. His belief in my vision—even before I fully saw it myself—gave me the confidence to take the risks needed to make it a reality.

Beyond just supporting my ideas, he’s the kind of person who rolls up his sleeves and makes things happen. Whether it’s brainstorming, problem-solving, or taking on the behind-the-scenes work that no one sees, he has been an integral part of turning our shared dreams into something tangible. His unwavering commitment to our family, our adventures, and our purpose-driven work continues to inspire me every day.

I truly couldn’t have done this without him, and I’m endlessly grateful for his love, partnership, and determination.

Website: https://throughthetrees.us

Instagram: throughthetrees828

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/through-the-trees-in-828/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThroughtheTrees828

Youtube: @throughthetrees3725

Other: TikTok @throughthetrees828

Image Credits
on stage at the Digital Opportunities event at Blue Ridge Community College organized by Dogwood and Institute for Emerging Issues

In UpCycle Tech

With the mayor at friends at Transylvania county library- left to right Jim Brooks (my husband), myself, Karen Sanders, Mayor Maureen Copelof, and Paula Hartman-Stein

At NC State with the financial cohort with the Institute of Emerging Issues