Deborah Porter is a powerhouse of resilience, wisdom, and service. From leading nonprofit workforce training initiatives to mentoring the next generation, she has dedicated her life to helping individuals rewrite their stories from a place of strength rather than struggle. Her entrepreneurial journey, inspired by her mother’s courage and sacrifices during the Jim Crow era, reflects her mission to honor women’s untold stories while empowering communities to thrive. Through her work, Deborah continues to touch lives, leaving behind a legacy of inspiration and impact.
Q: What inspired you to begin your entrepreneurial journey?
Deborah: Honestly, entrepreneurship wasn’t part of my plan. After retiring, I saw how workforce training programs in my community were failing people. Many came out of these programs even more unemployed than before. That pushed me to start a nonprofit workforce training program that could truly meet their needs. At the same time, I began writing a book to honor my mother. She raised 10 children through poverty, Jim Crow, and the struggles of being a sharecropper, yet she instilled resilience and vision in us. This book is not only about her story but also about the strength of countless women whose voices often go unheard. For me, entrepreneurship became a way to use my God-given skills to help others and carry forward lessons that transform lives.
Q: What challenges did you face when establishing yourself as an entrepreneur?
Deborah: My biggest challenge was education—understanding how to run a business properly. Many people jump into entrepreneurship out of excitement but don’t learn the logistics: legal requirements, financial management, taxes, fundraising, or hiring. That lack of preparation leads to failure within the first five years. I had to seek out classes and workshops to educate myself on these aspects. Networking has also been crucial, because it connects you to people who can provide guidance. Entrepreneurship is not just about passion—it’s about structure, consistency, and continuous learning.
Q: Can you share an achievement or milestone that you’re especially proud of?
Deborah: I am proud of so much of my journey because I pour myself into everything I do. A few highlights include leading a workforce training program where retention increased from 12% to 84%, developing my copyrighted Affirmation Story model that helps people rewrite their lives from a place of strength, and bringing the Dolly Parton Imagination Library to my community to foster early childhood reading. Beyond that, I serve as a mentor for New York State programs supporting at-risk youth, guiding them toward a better future. To me, accomplishments are not only about external recognition but about internal growth and giving of myself to others.
Q: What is your perspective on women in leadership today?
Deborah: Women in leadership must truly understand their self-worth. We bring intelligence, authenticity, and resilience to the table—but often face judgment because of outdated stereotypes. We need to learn the rules of the game, as men play it, while maintaining our dignity and authenticity. Women should stand firm, exercise patience, and never minimize their value.
Q: What advice would you give to future women leaders?
Deborah: Do your homework—become a lifelong learner. The world is constantly changing, and leaders must adapt to remain effective. Don’t stop learning once you’ve reached a certain level. Advocate for yourself and for other women, and most importantly, mentor the next generation. If we fail to share our knowledge, we limit the growth of those who come after us. Leadership is not about holding power for yourself—it’s about lifting others along the way.
Q: How do you define success?
Deborah: Success, to me, is knowing that my contribution to society is valued. It means being spiritually grounded and living the life God intended for me. Personally, success is living by my own standards and values, controlling my life instead of someone else defining it for me. Success is not a straight line—it’s a journey filled with struggles and challenges. True success is continuing that journey with faith, strength, and integrity, no matter what obstacles come your way.
“We are supposed to leave the world a better place than where we found it—using the gifts God gave us to serve others.” – Deborah Porter
Connect with Deborah Porter
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