About
ABOUT ME
today I choose joy
My life goals are pretty simple now: Seek Joy. Fight for Justice.
Dr. Deborah L. Stroman
My life has been a wonderful journey of exploration and engagement. From an early age I can say that I had the seeds of being an enthusiastic educator and entrepreneur. I have always been a lover of books, hearty discussions, teaching, and finding solutions to challenges. My doctoral (leadership and organizational behavior) studies and experiences have led me to create, counsel, and strategize for people in Business, Education, and Sports.
My Story
I build people, programs, and communities.
My athletic, business, and leadership journey:
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Born and raised outside of Philadelphia (Wayne, PA)
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1st Black female scholarship athlete (basketball) at the University of Virginia
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1st Black female coach (basketball) at the University of North Carolina
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Member, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc.
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Co-founded a golf event and marketing company
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17-year career in financial services with two Fortune 25 corporations
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2006 recipient of the State of Maryland’s Top Minority Business Enterprise Award from the Governor’s Office
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19-year career as a professor (retired) – University of North Carolina (Appointments in Public Health, Business, and Sport Administration)
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President Emeritus, UNC Black Faculty and Staff Caucus
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Accredited Provider, International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (IACET)
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Lecturer (current) – University of Virginia, Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy
Entrepreneur – Sport Business, Leadership, and Racial Equity
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Director, Black Men’s Brain Health Conference and Research Study
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Founder, The Equity Analytics Movement
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Founder, Race Realities and Race Realities Costa
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Coach, AI and Digital Marketing & Strategy for Small Businesses
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Radio Personality, WCHL/Chapelboro, (97.9 FM) and The Sports Shop (104.5 FM)
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Writer, Medium
Advisory Boards:
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The Algernon Sydney Sullivan Foundation
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The Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute (Tampa, FL)
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National Bureau of Economic Research (Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias)
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President, University of Virginia Black Alumni Association
In summary, I am having fun! I inspire young people to live their own life doing what brings them joy. That is, one does not have to limit your career goal to one sector or job. I stay active and youthful by biking, playing golf, reading, walking, and traveling the world.
Lastly, I often get asked if I sleep. Absolutely! Rest and the quieting of the mind is crucial to my work and activities. Costa Rica is my second home, which has been an amazing blessing and treasure. I am intentional in my strategy and effort to be an energetic agent of change.
Be bold. Be blessed.
Onward!
Deborah L. Stroman, Ph.D. CLU
MY WRITINGS
Reading and writing have always been one of my favorite pastimes.
I am blessed to be able to put words, my experiences, observations, and analysis of various attitudes and behavior. That is, my reflections are my way of releasing critiques and celebrations of humankind. Thanks for taking the time to read. Feel free to share and provide a clap if my writings honor your truth and bring you joy. Onward!
2021 - Recipient
Woman of The Year
I am blessed and honored to have been selected as North Carolina's 2021 Woman of the Year!
I sincerely appreciate you, your commitment to justice, and your donation. My campaign was successful as the title of Woman of the Year for the state of North Carolina was secured and announced at the State Convention on October 7, 2021. Many thanks to my Chapel Hill-Carrboro branch for the initial WOY selection and support. My ongoing drive is about waking people up to truth-telling, organizing, and connecting with people to help our state live its motto of “to be rather than to seem” for all citizens. Onward!
Press Features
