Debbie, a graduate of Santa Clara University with degrees in Psychology and Education, retired from her role as an elementary school educator and librarian in 2000. Post-retirement, she engaged with newly arrived immigrants through Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County, providing support within their Refugee Resettlement Program. Additionally, she engages in volunteer work with Upwardly Global, co-facilitating English conversation sessions with immigrant women professionals. Having traveled extensively, she harbors a deep passion for supporting under-resourced children and their families. Through her experiences, she has cultivated a keen interest in learning about their culture, language, and customs.

A member of Together Women Rise, Debbie embarked on a transformative journey to Vietnam in 2014, where she had the opportunity to connect with beneficiaries and staff of Children of Vietnam (CoV). Since 2018, she has dedicated herself to serving on the C0V Board of Directors and assumed the role of Program Chair in 2020. In the 2025/2026 fiscal year, Debbie was appointed as the Chairman of the Board of CoV.