Viewing herself as someone who uses the wits and gifts God gave her to be of service, Deborah L. Parker helps others grow professionally and personally into their next season. Building on her beginnings as the oldest child of a determined single parent and raised in the home of her wise grandparents, she understands the power of faith and moving forward. With a career life that has taken her to positions as a social worker, Army reserve officer, corporate manager, and now entrepreneur and author, Deborah understands what it means to lead and make a change, sometimes the hard way. She holds a B.A. in Sociology from the College of William and Mary and an M.A.

in Human Resources from George Mason University. Deborah is now a retired Lieutenant Colonel, US Army Reserve, and has also completed the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. The author of four other books, including her motivational autobiography entitled Navigating Life's Roadways: Stories of Insight from My Odyssey and Inspiration for Your Journey, released in July 2011, Deborah shares poignant narratives about her setbacks and successes, to include honoring the lessons from her family and heroes that provide her solid identity. She is Chief Inspirer and Principal Consultant of The DPJ Training Group, a motivational speaking, leadership and personal development company based in the Metropolitan Washington DC area. For over fifteen years she has provided numerous workshops and coaching programs for federal, Department of Defense and private sector clients.