History
What started as an exceptional ability to manage details in the events and hospitality industry, turned into “little miss everything” roles for technology start-ups, operational roles for creative agencies, and addressing patient care challenges at an academic medical center. That’s what happens when you follow the mantra, “Do what you love. Love what you do.”
Starting in my sophomore year at Binghamton University, as a Resident Advisor heavily involved in extracurricular activities, I interned to gain experience in the field learning about my professional likes and dislikes. Assuming a role post graduation that I had built for myself at a destination management company, I hit the ground running at Super Bowl XLI in Miami.
Years later, after helping to build a company around text message based scavenger hunts and pivoting the same company to mobile payments, I pursued my MBA (at night!) from Babson College. Through my experience at Babson I taught entrepreneurship in Ghana and Rwanda, mentored undergraduate and graduate students and startup founders, and coached developing leaders.
How does one categorize such a wide variety of professional experience?
Startup years are like dog years. Never underestimate the power of learning through experience. And remember, everything happens for a reason.
Check it Out
Companies
• University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
• Stemwear (founder 2017 // patent: D822345)
• Lifeblue, Inc.
• 70kft (acquihire by Cyxtera)
• LBD Producers (founder 2015)
• IDEA for Africa (co-founder 2015 501(c)(3))
• High Start Group (WEVO)
• Visible Measures (acquired by AcuityAds)
• SCVNGR/LevelUp (acquired by GrubHub)
• InsideSEG (acquired by Creative Arts Agency)
Entrepreneur
Debra Swersky
Improving the lives of others by creating better experiences for those served is what I do for each company I work with. I gravitate towards purposeful projects that infuse a company’s message and values into its delivery and make the world a better place. Every position assumed is a new opportunity to learn; every challenge encountered a puzzle to solve; and every skill acquired a privilege to teach.
I increase the human capacity of my clients, partners, fellow team members, and customers with better systems, processes, strategies, and statements.
Education
BABSON COLLEGE
Masters, Business Administration
Roger Babson Leadership Recipient
BINGHAMTON UNIVERSITY
Bachelors of Arts, Italian & Spanish
Minor, International Studies
Activities & Affiliations
• Toastmasters International
• Center for Women’s Entrepreneurial Leaders (CWEL Babson)
• Babson Alumni Supporting Entrepreneurs (BASE)
• IDEA for Africa, Board Member
• Unreasonable Labs North Texas, Co-Founder
Certifications
• Prosci® Certified Change Practitioner
• Certified ScrumMaster® (CSM)
• Project Management Professional (PMP)
• Fascination Certified Advisor, How To Fascinate
• Meeting, Conference, & Event Management (NYU)
People Impacted
Customers
Any customer [service] interaction is
four times more likely to drive disloyalty
than to drive loyalty.
- The Effortless Experience
Employees
New employees are 69% more
likely to stay longer than three years if they experience a well-structured onboarding.
- The Aberdeen Group
Individuals
When you focus on your top two
high-performing traits, you're 34% more
likely to make a strong impression.
- Kelton Global