November 15, 2023
Debbie, your nominator mentioned that prior to UC Berkeley, you had a "rich career on Wall Street." What was that like, and what brought you here?
I started my Wall Street career when people smoked on the trading floor, and most of the few women employed were relegated to the lowest, most menial level jobs. I thought I might get promoted by working harder than most, so I strived to be the first in and the last out, seized every opportunity to learn, and I accepted every assignment enthusiastically. As time progressed, the day started earlier and earlier and eventually meant being “on the desk” by 4 a.m. (The 3:10 a.m. alarm was rugged, but I adored being able to pick up our sons from elementary school at 3 p.m.) Eventually, I became Managing Director and was elected as the first woman president of the San Francisco Bond Club. (It was ironic that my induction was a black-tie ceremony held at the all-men’s Pacific Union Club).
After 35 years of demanding work and extensive travel, my much-anticipated retirement left a void. Despite engaging in plenty of volunteer work, I found myself missing the professional sphere.
When I embarked on my quest for a new opportunity, I made the decision to pursue roles at Cal for various reasons. I yearned to be amidst a community of bright, driven individuals passionate about endeavors larger than themselves. I sought a role that didn't demand excessive travel, and I desired an environment that would foster continual learning.
Fate led me to Christian Gordon and his incredible team, Anya Essiounina, Erik Lehto, Hagit Caspi, Isabel Huerta, and Tara Horton. Joining them felt like a stroke of luck, and I'm immensely thankful for the opportunity to collaborate with such an inspiring group!
What does a "day in the life" look like for you at work?
In my role, I help coordinate the planning, execution, and follow-up for meetings, events, and donor visits. Crafting and drafting gift acknowledgments for faculty is another area I spend quite a bit of my time, especially after Big Give and at year-end. I conduct research on alumni, donors, major donor prospects, and foundations for Deans and fundraisers. Occasionally, I assist new employees with navigating campus systems, such as CADS, and act as a sounding board on handling prickly situations. (Ah, the benefits of age!)
What do you enjoy about your job?
One of the most gratifying elements of my position is the opportunity to collaborate with faculty and staff to enrich the Social Sciences Division. Making modest contributions that have the potential to positively impact the futures of students adds a deeper sense of purpose to my work.
What might be some ways that staff could support your work or collaborate with you?
I love it when someone introduces me to a more efficient system for handling my responsibilities, and I thoroughly enjoy passing that knowledge on to others. Technology continually enhances our work, and I relish the opportunity to embrace and learn new techniques.
What are you currently learning and/or would like to learn?
I frequently take courses offered by UC Learning and D-Lab, primarily focused on technology but also in other areas. There are so many great courses offered! One of my recent favorites is Microsoft PowerPoint Advanced Visual Design, taught by Keith Samsell through UC Learning. UC Extension is also an excellent perk I have taken advantage of.
What else can you share with us about you or your work?
Away from work, when I'm not cherishing moments with my grown sons and wonderful daughter-in-law, I enjoy spending my free time supporting those in need. Throughout the years, I've enjoyed contributing to various non-profit organizations in the Bay Area, such as Children’s Hospital, the East Bay Agency for Children, Scouts, and others. However, the most fulfilling experience has been serving as an advisory board member for The Salvation Army. I've chaired the annual fundraiser for four years, working collaboratively to secure nearly $1.5 million. (I’ve had help from UC students, faculty, and staff with these: We’ve honored two recent alumni for their work building their own non-profits-Tyson Ross and Elijah Hicks. Ben Hermalin, Justin Wilcox, and Jim Knowlton made speeches at the 2022 and 2023 galas recognizing these two alumni and their work, and the Cal Jazz Choir and the Cal Band performed, too!)
The funds raised have significantly bolstered crucial programs within our Alameda County community. While many associate The Salvation Army with thrift stores and kettles, those operations help raise funds for programs such as:
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The only family homeless shelter that accepts families with boys over the age of 12.
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Job Training: Two thriving job training programs: construction training & a nurses assistant training program.
Striving to make a tangible, positive impact in others' lives is profoundly rewarding. My experiences, both at UC Berkeley and volunteering with The Salvation Army, hold immeasurable value for me. Contributing to these missions is a privilege, and the opportunity to blend my work at Cal with outside charity efforts speaks volumes about the incredible community at UC Berkeley!
Apart from my involvement with non-profits, I relish skiing, hiking, biking, cooking, and delving into non-fiction and historical non-fiction. Additionally, spending time in the wine country, along the coast, at Lake Tahoe, and other destinations with my husband and family (when I can corral them) is an incomparable joy.