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Debra is a philanthropist and compassionate public servant. She is Founder and President of the Yvonne McCalla Foundation Incorporated (YMF Inc.); a non-profit breast cancer awareness organization.
Debra was inspired by her mother’s experience with breast cancer. Debra saw firsthand, the importance of educating and empowering women to take a proactive role when it comes to their breast health. Debra established YMF Inc. to educate the minority community on the importance of participating in breast cancer research studies particularly those exploring causes of the higher rates of breast cancer mortality and improve treatment options among minority women.
Through its scholarship initiatives, YMF Inc. provides financial assistance to minority women who are pursuing higher education in the field of nursing. Since its 2007 inception, YMF Inc. has awarded over $20,000 in scholarships towards women pursuing an education in nursing.
Debra coined the slogan, “Empowering Women and Saving Lives.” She believes that strengthening families is the key to health and wellness.
Debra is a successful Real Estate Agent, employed by one of the largest and most notable Real Estate Agencies in the country, Keller Williams Realtors. Debra has developed a diverse portfolio of work with buyers, sellers and investors. Debra is a leader, and a forward thinker. Debra is founder of Cosmopolitan Realty Group, LLC. where she mentors and trains a group of real estate agents across the State of New Jersey. Debra facilitates home buyer seminars in the community to help families realize their dream of becoming home owners.
For almost two decades, Debra has committed her life to serving children and families. She began her career in social work consulting and working for various foster care agencies in the New York City area.
For fourteen years, Debra was employed by the State of New Jersey Office of Training and Professional Development (NJOTPD) delivering competency based training for employees of the Division of Children and Families. While employed by NJOTPD Debra was instrumental in training over 7000 social work professionals throughout the State of New Jersey.
Debra is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated. Debra serves as Commissioner of The Fair Rental Housing Board in the City of Elizabeth, NJ. Debra is a former board member of YWCA; the oldest and largest multicultural women’s organization in the world. In addition, Debra also previously served as a member of the board of directors of Candice’s Sickle Cell Fund Incorporated (2001-2008).
Debra earned a Masters of Social Work degree from Wurzweiler School of Social Work, Yeshiva University and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the State University of New York at Stony Brook.
Debra is happily married to the Honorable Carl Lee Marshall, J.M.C. Debra enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling the world and exploring new cultures.
