My name is Deb and I use she/her or they/them pronouns. I am ever evolving in understanding of who I am, how I show up, and my positionality. I am a young, Black, southern, fat, physically able-bodied, queer, first-generation American feminist who is currently pursing their Master’s in Social Work at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. 

Audre Lorde once said, “If I didn't define myself for myself, I would be crunched into other people's fantasies for me and eaten alive.” This quote has become a mantra for me, a reminder that this is my life to live. I have discovered through my personal and professional experiences that I am disciplined, deliberative, and intentional. Through these larger areas of competence, I also operate as a strategic and empathic listener who is not afraid of change or failure. As a life-long learner, I constantly strive to perfect my craft, especially when new information is presented. These strengths have allowed me to be a skilled facilitator who engages in critical conversation and radical collaboration. My strengths have illuminated that I can be part of change and leave this world a bit better than when I entered. I lead with radical optimism; a strategic and critical lens; a restorative and imaginative energy; an empathetic heart; and collaborative nature. I am excited to stretch, to grow, and build deep community at 18 Springs.