As Managing Director of the Water Solutions Network, Debbie coordinates and leads collaboration among WSN participants, the Advisory Council, and partners to expand the network and its impact. Before joining Coro, she worked for almost ten years in the California Governor’s Office, most recently as the Senior Advisor for Water and Rural Affairs. She brings 15 years of experience in the water sector, including collaborating on the Human Right to Water, the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act, and drought response. Debbie got her start in the water sector at the Environmental Justice Coalition for Water, where she ultimately served as the Policy Director. She holds a Master’s degree in social ecology from the University of California, Irvine, and a BA from the University of California, Davis.

What inspires you to work in leadership development?

The earth is changing faster than humans are changing. Innovative leadership is essential to our survival.

What’s your favorite leadership quote or book? 

“There is always light, / if only we’re brave enough to see it / If only we’re brave enough to be it.” — Amanda Gorman

Where are we most likely to find you when you’re not at work?

During the pandemic, I am most often home with my husband, two dogs, and two cats enjoying the garden and doing home improvement projects.