Beginnings

Deborah Powell, the daughter of John & Anne Davis was born and raised in Harvey, Illinois. Following the earning of a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Southern Illinois University- Carbondale, she went on to a successful 20 year career as an advertising and marketing executive. During her work with fortune 500 companies she traveled domestically and internationally conducting channel and product research and the promotion of brands.

A Love for Children

Deborah stepped out of her corporate career after completing two masters programs in education and reading, to pursue her passion and love for children and their education. She was determined to apply her real world experiences and teaching expertise to impact the lives of children, particularly in the area of reading literacy.

As a consummate educator, Mrs. Powell reaches beyond the school walls to serve the greater community youth by facilitating church-based STEM programs for middle schoolers and SAT Prep classes for high school aged students. She has committed her life career to exposing students to opportunities to guide and inspire positive choices and decisions for their future. Her fulfillment comes from guiding students in being positive contributors to their community and preparing them for future endeavors toward college and career goals.

A Commitment to Community

As a certified Reading Specialist, Mrs. Powell is committed to inspiring students to work toward reaching their potential. She uses her knowledge of researched best practices and creativity to develop programs and incentives that engage and excite students to learn. Mrs. Powell includes community, businesses and her church resources into programs and activities. As an example, the men of New Faith’s Men’s Force ministry volunteer time yearly reading to students during community reading night and poetry slam events. As a means of supporting student’s educational horizons Mrs. Powell actively recruits sponsors (e.g. GO Fish NFP, Minnie & Joes, Aurelio’s Pizza, Sahagian and Associates Inc., Marcus Theaters, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated) and other local businesses and organizations, mentors, and fellow educators.

Deborah is happily married to Gregory Powell for over two decades, and is the proud mother of 2 sons: Jair, and Jonathan.