About Debbra

I was introduced to Gallup Strengths in 2005 while participating in a leadership development academy. That experience was one of the most transformative of my life. I have spent the years since introducing others to this positive and strategic approach to personal, team, and organizational development. This work led me to become a Certified Gallup Strengths Coach. 

I am especially passionate about the possibilities that emerge through a strengths-based perspective and explored other approaches such as Appreciative Inquiry. I became a Certified Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator in 2014 and in 2016, I had the opportunity to travel to Cape Town, South Africa to obtain certification as an Appreciative Inquiry Coach. 

I have over fifteen years of experience in higher education and the non-profit sector. I worked as the Executive Director of Organizational Development at Lone Star College, one of the largest and fastest growing community college systems in the United States. There, I led a system-wide culture transformation as well as strengths-based programs and development for individuals and teams. Most recently, I served as the Executive Associate Vice President of Regional Development for Phi Theta Kappa, an international honor society for two-year colleges. I led the Student Engagement team offering programming for students, faculty advisors, and alumni. I also coordinated twenty-nine regions across the United States. 

In addition to the certifications mentioned above, I have an A.A.S in Visual Communication from Lone Star College - Kingwood, a B.S. in Technology Leadership and Supervision from the University of Houston, and a M.S. in Leadership Development from Walden University. 

My Personal Statement based on my top five Talent Theme:  

Learner | Connectedness | Achiever | Individualization | Relator  

"We are all connected. I don’t believe there are any accidents in this world. My path is defined by a Master plan that provides reason and purpose and helps me make sense of nonsense. Excellence is my driving force and motivation in all that I do. The quest to achieve excellence is something I simply cannot compromise and is evident in all aspects of my life – especially in personal relationships. I feel a strong connection to others and can make friends with just about everyone; however, I am renewed by the closeness and intimacy of relationships that are real and genuine. As I look outward, I find satisfaction in helping others as they try to connect the dots of their past in a more meaningful way. It is only through my personal exploration and understanding that I have learned to cherish the privilege of that opportunity. I wake every day with one wish – that my actions touch the life of another in a positive way."