About Debbie

I am a former foster parent, a proud queer and non-binary individual, and a working-class femme who has lived in Seattle for over 20 years.

Currently, I serve as the Director of the Snohomish County Early Learning Coalition, where I am passionate about early childhood education. For several years, I had the opportunity to work as an Organizational Development and Governance Relations consultant, helping local nonprofits build their organizations and advocacy programs through a strong focus on racial and social equity. Some of my former clients include the Washington Community for Children and the Children's Alliance.

With over 15 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, I have held various positions, including Interim Policy Director for NAMI Washington (National Alliance on Mental Illness) and co-founder and executive director for 10 years of Queer Power Alliance (formerly LGBTQ Allyship), an organization focused on economic and housing justice. I also served as a community organizer for Hotel and Restaurant Employees (HERE) Local 8.

I have been active in various committees, serving for 4 years on the Best Start for Kids Advisory Board, for 3 years on the Seattle Housing Levy Oversight Committee, and for 2 years on the Seattle Ethics and Elections Commission.

Before entering the nonprofit sector, I taught for 5 years as an English as a Second Language instructor at Renton Technical College and was a proud union member. Teaching is one of my many passions, and I have had the privilege of being a substitute early learning educator.

I also served as the Advocacy Chair on the Olympic Hills Elementary PTA board. Currently, I am on the executive board of the 46th Democrats, a board member of the National Women’s Political Caucus as their Education and Training Chair, and I lead a Girl Scout troop for 2nd and 3rd graders in Northeast Seattle.