Hi, I’m Debra
I build businesses with both strategy and heart.
I’ve spent my career learning, teaching and talking about social and emotional skills - not because I've mastered them (I have my share of messy moments!), but because I'm endlessly fascinated by why we humans do what we do.
This curiosity has become my life's work: helping people understand themselves while creating meaningful connections with others.
Today, I help other leaders navigate their own path to growth, supporting them one-on-one and sharing insights through speaking engagements in partnership with organizations like SXSW, TEDx, and the U.S. State Department.
My Story
Working in education was not an obvious fit for me.
As a subpar student who changed majors five times in five years, I was hardly a poster child for academic success.
But I discovered that my mission - helping young people find their place in the world - could create real impact within the public school system. In 2008, I founded Design Dance, bringing arts-based social emotional learning to schools with zero business experience and a lot to learn.
What I lacked in business knowledge, I made up for with my fascination with people. Understanding human motivation became my unexpected superpower.
By applying the same social-emotional skills we taught students to our business practices, Design Dance grew exponentially, eventually serving 35,000 students. We built robust systems, scaled teams while preserving culture, and achieved 160% growth during intense industry change.
Since then, I’ve gone on to launch The Brainchild Collective, a cohort of SEL youth providers, and Prismatic, a non-profit organization building youth resilience and potential through personal development labs in classrooms around the world
Today, I lead Prismatic as Executive Director while helping professionals master emotional intelligence.
Through speaking and advisory work, I guide founders and leaders toward authentic success in both their work and life.
Let’s Dive In
Business Advising
Nothing could have prepared me for the uncharted journey of launching my first company.
As someone who's been there, I help founders tackle their toughest challenges - from team dynamics to growth strategy to work-life balance. Think of me as your right-hand person.
Workshops
How we spend our days is how we spend our lives.
In my workshops, I distill nearly two decades of tried and tested frameworks, blending emotional intelligence with business strategy, helping you develop an intentional leadership style that feels authentically yours.
Speaking
Some of my greatest breakthroughs came from leaders sharing their authentic stories.
My keynotes and talks carry on this tradition, blending real experiences, practical tools, and a touch of humor to spark transformation.
