Director of NYC IGA – Executive Chamber. Debbie Esther Louis has been recognized for her unwavering dedication to social change, advocacy, and education. Proudly of Haitian descent, she has made substantial contributions both as an educator and as an advocate for underrepresented communities. For the past nine years, Debbie has been a beacon of knowledge and inspiration in the Psychology Department at the City University of New York’s York College, where she imparts her wisdom in the fields of leadership and organizational behavior.
Why are you voting this year?
I am voting for my daughter. So that her rights, her future, and her dreams will be determined by the choices that she makes and not the choices that are made for her.
What changes do you want to see in your community?
I want to see more active and engaged members of the community! Policy effects everything, we need to educate folks about that.
How do you feel about this year’s election and what’s on the ballot?
Nervous—this year’s election is pivotal, and the stakes are high. With so many issues on the ballot, including rights, safety, and livelihood, many people are feeling a deep sense of responsibility to show up and turn out. It sounds like you have a lot of confidence in the collective power of voters, which is great. Every election has the potential to shape the direction of the country, and civic engagement is key to ensuring that people’s voices are heard. Keeping that positive outlook.
What would you say to change the mind of someone who doesn’t plan to vote?
VOTE because THE NEXT GENERATION DEPENDS on it!
What’s your voting plan?
I am voting early with my parents and we are walking with some of our block association members!
On Election Day, where do you plan to watch the election results?
In my parents living room with my family, the tradition for the block is for us to meet outside once 60% of the results are in and convene briefly about what could come next. In some years, we would hear crying by neighbors and in other years, the celebration would continue until the early morning hours.
About Debbie:
Director of NYC IGA – Executive Chamber. Debbie Esther Louis has been recognized for her unwavering dedication to social change, advocacy, and education. Proudly of Haitian descent, she has made substantial contributions both as an educator and as an advocate for underrepresented communities. For the past nine years, Debbie has been a beacon of knowledge and inspiration in the Psychology Department at the City University of New York’s York College, where she imparts her wisdom in the fields of leadership and organizational behavior.
Debbie’s academic prowess is a testament to her commitment to making a difference. She holds a master’s degree in Industrial Organizational Psychology, specializing in Leadership. Her passion for learning continues to drive her, as she is currently pursuing a second degree in public policy and evaluation.
Debbie’s journey as an advocate for change started over a decade and a half ago. Her activism did not stop there. She became an influential member of the CUNY Legislative Policy Committee, where she fought tirelessly for equal rights and opportunities across all CUNY campuses.
Debbie’s dedication to democracy and civic engagement led her to work on voting reforms, including Ranked Choice Voting (RCV), and to support voter registration drives for high schools in Brooklyn. Her commitment to ensuring that every voice is heard and that language is never a barrier to civic participation remains steadfast. She served two terms on the Language Access Advisory Commission with the NYC Civic Engagement Commission, advocating for language access support for voters and combating voter suppression.
Debbie is not only an advocate for systemic change but also a devoted mother. Her experiences during her pregnancy journey have made her acutely aware of the inequalities and trauma surrounding Black maternal health. Debbie’s life story is a testament to the power of education, advocacy, and unwavering determination. Her impact as a professor, advocate, and activist serves as an inspiration to all those fortunate enough to cross her path. Her journey is far from over, and her commitment to creating a more equitable and just society remains as strong as ever.
