DEBRA LIGHTEN

Debra is the Secretary of Fostering Our Youth (FOY), she has supported this organization for two years, and was recently selected for a formal role in January 2023. Debra has served in two branches of the US Military first as an Army Reservist in the Signal Corp, presently as an Air Force Nurse currently assigned to the Defense Health Agency supporting the Health Informatics Division. She is also involved with community outreach through her church and other personal endeavors.

Debra was born in Augusta Georgia and is from a large family (10 siblings). She is passionate about mentoring youth and the less fortunate; she credits her success to having a supportive and faith-filled family and many mentors both formal and informal. She attended Upward Bound during High School and continued to strive to reach her goals in spite of financial challenges. She has volunteered through both the American Red Cross and Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Debra believes that grass roots efforts have the greatest impact on growing and supporting individuals/community development.