Debra Powell
Copa: Where are you from?
Debra: I'm Deborah Powell, from Queens, New York, and Western New York. My early years in New York City were shaped by my mother who exposed me to the Arts and Culture of the city. I fell in love with the fine arts early as a child, took classes at Albright Knox Museum in Buffalo and as a college student studied Art Education and Visual Design as a graduate student.
Debra: I'm Deborah Powell, from Queens, New York, and Western New York. My early years in New York City were shaped by my mother who exposed me to the Arts and Culture of the city. I fell in love with the fine arts early as a child, took classes at Albright Knox Museum in Buffalo and as a college student studied Art Education and Visual Design as a graduate student.
Copa: What schools have you attended?
Debra: I am a HBCU graduate of North Carolina A&T State University, North Carolina State and a masters from George Mason in Education. As a teacher for many years I created curricula and adapted materials and equipment for children with special needs. I'm very passionate about children with special needs because I have an adult son with special needs.
Debra: I am a HBCU graduate of North Carolina A&T State University, North Carolina State and a masters from George Mason in Education. As a teacher for many years I created curricula and adapted materials and equipment for children with special needs. I'm very passionate about children with special needs because I have an adult son with special needs.
Copa: How is your life living in Northern, Virginia?
Debra: My life as a wife, mother, and caretaker was very demanding with a child with special needs. As a parent, I learned about his development and treatment. In those days, information and resources were limited. It took everything I could do to learn the system and navigate the special education maze that was still evolving. I was a very involved parent, serving on school board committees, starting the Parent Resource Program in Arlington, and holding every officer on the PTA.
Debra: My life as a wife, mother, and caretaker was very demanding with a child with special needs. As a parent, I learned about his development and treatment. In those days, information and resources were limited. It took everything I could do to learn the system and navigate the special education maze that was still evolving. I was a very involved parent, serving on school board committees, starting the Parent Resource Program in Arlington, and holding every officer on the PTA.
Copa: We see that you constantly remain the picture of perfect health. How do you do it?
Debra: To keep my life balanced I went to the gym, where I kept a weekly routine of cardio workouts, Pilates, and weights. The gym is where I would meet and develop close friendships. In 2009 my life changed drastically, I lost my mother who I cared for and 2 years later my husband succumbed to brain cancer. Not having family in the area, the gym was my family and support
Debra: To keep my life balanced I went to the gym, where I kept a weekly routine of cardio workouts, Pilates, and weights. The gym is where I would meet and develop close friendships. In 2009 my life changed drastically, I lost my mother who I cared for and 2 years later my husband succumbed to brain cancer. Not having family in the area, the gym was my family and support
Copa: How did you develop your love for attending social events?
Deborah: Over time I would meet new people and social groups. It was my sister-in-law from New York who get emails from Sandro Kereselidze, inviting her to his Art Soiree in Georgetown. From that time in 2012, I started attending the Art Soirees every Friday. It was from Sandro’s events that I would meet a wide variety of friends and acquaintances, including Rodney Branche.
Deborah: Over time I would meet new people and social groups. It was my sister-in-law from New York who get emails from Sandro Kereselidze, inviting her to his Art Soiree in Georgetown. From that time in 2012, I started attending the Art Soirees every Friday. It was from Sandro’s events that I would meet a wide variety of friends and acquaintances, including Rodney Branche.
Copa: Who introduced you to your annual global trips?
Deborah: It was also my sister-in-law who is a world traveler, who began to travel, and took my first Mediterranean cruise and a cruise in the Baltic Seas sailing to St. Petersburg, Russia. In the following years, I would travel with my best friend throughout France and Italy. In 2022 I would take an exclusive group National Geographic private excursion to Egypt
Deborah: It was also my sister-in-law who is a world traveler, who began to travel, and took my first Mediterranean cruise and a cruise in the Baltic Seas sailing to St. Petersburg, Russia. In the following years, I would travel with my best friend throughout France and Italy. In 2022 I would take an exclusive group National Geographic private excursion to Egypt
Copa: How has fitness become a main part of your life?
Deborah: Throughout the recent years, I have continued to challenge myself. Fitness continues to be a passion of mine. I would get the Shape magazine over a year and wonder how the fitness models on the cover got into that shape and form. It was not until Instagram, that I learned about the bodybuilding competitions and meeting local competitors. I was determined to compete. With the help of a trainer and nutritionist, within 6 months I would be competing in two NPC bikini competitions in 2019.
Deborah: Throughout the recent years, I have continued to challenge myself. Fitness continues to be a passion of mine. I would get the Shape magazine over a year and wonder how the fitness models on the cover got into that shape and form. It was not until Instagram, that I learned about the bodybuilding competitions and meeting local competitors. I was determined to compete. With the help of a trainer and nutritionist, within 6 months I would be competing in two NPC bikini competitions in 2019.
Copa: How has it been working with Roger Gore for the past year?
Deborah: Along this journey, I've met quite a diverse group of people. One of them is Roger Gore, owner of Aliser Vodka. Mr. Gore’s work ethic, entrepreneurship, and positive perspective in seeing everyone achieve, an inspiring person I have met and worked with. I'm also an influencer on the RISE Award Welcoming Committee.
Deborah: Along this journey, I've met quite a diverse group of people. One of them is Roger Gore, owner of Aliser Vodka. Mr. Gore’s work ethic, entrepreneurship, and positive perspective in seeing everyone achieve, an inspiring person I have met and worked with. I'm also an influencer on the RISE Award Welcoming Committee.
Copa: How long have you been associated with the Senior Miss Black America?
Deborah: Currently, I’m representing Senior Miss Black America of Virginia, a pageant I entered in the fall of 2023. This was the first Senior Miss Black America, commemorating the 55th anniversary of Miss Black America. It was held in Atlantic City as was the first Miss Black America in 1968. One of the most notable participants in Miss Black America was Oprah Winfrey in 1971 and Sylvia Traymore Morrison, friend, mentor, and first Women of Color comedic Impressionist.
Deborah: Currently, I’m representing Senior Miss Black America of Virginia, a pageant I entered in the fall of 2023. This was the first Senior Miss Black America, commemorating the 55th anniversary of Miss Black America. It was held in Atlantic City as was the first Miss Black America in 1968. One of the most notable participants in Miss Black America was Oprah Winfrey in 1971 and Sylvia Traymore Morrison, friend, mentor, and first Women of Color comedic Impressionist.
Copa: What does the future hold for Deborah Powell and her interesting life of fitness and friendship around the world?
Deborah: I continue to be a part of a community that gives back. In the fall of 2024, I joined Purposeful Living and Giving, which is a non-profit organization that serves as a resource for disadvantaged families in the DMV.
In December 2024, I received President Joseph R. Biden Jr. President’s Lifetime Achievement Award for sharing my time and passion as an Educator and giving to the community.
Deborah: I continue to be a part of a community that gives back. In the fall of 2024, I joined Purposeful Living and Giving, which is a non-profit organization that serves as a resource for disadvantaged families in the DMV.
In December 2024, I received President Joseph R. Biden Jr. President’s Lifetime Achievement Award for sharing my time and passion as an Educator and giving to the community.
