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Debra is a philanthropist and compassionate public servant. She is Founder and President of the Yvonne McCalla Foundation Incorporated (YMF Inc.); a non-profit breast cancer awareness organization.
Debra was inspired by her mother’s experience with breast cancer. Debra saw firsthand, the importance of educating and empowering women to take a proactive role when it comes to their breast health. Debra established YMF Inc. to educate the minority community on the importance of participating in breast cancer research studies particularly those exploring causes of the higher rates of breast cancer mortality and improve treatment options among minority women.
Through its scholarship initiatives, YMF Inc. provides financial assistance to minority women who are pursuing higher education in the field of nursing. Since its 2007 inception, YMF Inc. has awarded thousands of dollars in scholarships towards women pursuing an education in nursing.
Debra coined the slogan, “Empowering Women and Saving Lives.” She believes that strengthening families is the key to health and wellness.
Debra is a successful Real Estate Agent, employed by one of the largest and most notable Real Estate Agencies in the country, Keller Williams Realtors. Debra has developed a diverse portfolio of work with buyers, sellers and investors. Debra is a leader, and a forward thinker. Debra is founder of Cosmopolitan Realty Group, LLC. where she mentors and trains a group of real estate agents across the State of New Jersey. Debra facilitates home buyer seminars in the community to help families realize their dream of becoming home owners.
For almost two decades, Debra has committed her life to serving children and families. She began her career in social work consulting and working for various foster care agencies in the New York City area.
For fourteen years, Debra was employed by the State of New Jersey Office of Training and Professional Development (NJOTPD) delivering competency based training for employees of the Division of Children and Families. While employed by NJOTPD Debra was instrumental in training over 7000 social work professionals throughout the State of New Jersey.
Debra is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated. Debra serves as Commissioner of The Fair Rental Housing Board in the City of Elizabeth, NJ. Debra is a former board member of YWCA; the oldest and largest multicultural women’s organization in the world. In addition, Debra also previously served as a member of the board of directors of Candice’s Sickle Cell Fund Incorporated (2001-2008).
Debra earned a Masters of Social Work degree from Wurzweiler School of Social Work, Yeshiva University and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the State University of New York at Stony Brook.
Debra is happily married to the Honorable Carl Lee Marshall, J.M.C. Debra enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling the world and exploring new cultures.
A dedicated professional in human services, Desiraee has dedicated over 35 years to supporting children and families. She holds a Bachelor of Science from the State University of New York College at Buffalo and a Master of Science in Education from the City University of New York Hunter College.
Her career began in New York City’s foster care system, where she played a vital role in reuniting families, advocating for children’s well-being, and providing essential support to ensure their stability and success. In 2000, she transitioned into school counseling, a role she has passionately embraced for the past 25 years. As a Middle School and High School Counselor, she has been committed to addressing the academic, social, and emotional needs of her students, guiding them toward personal growth, resilience, and success.
Beyond her professional work, Desiraee is a founding member of YMF Inc., where she plays a vital role in advocating for breast health awareness among young, underrepresented women. She is deeply committed to empowering communities through education, advocacy, and mentorship.
A passionate world traveler, she finds joy in exploring diverse cultures, gaining new perspectives, and broadening her understanding of global communities. Above all, she is the proud parent of two children, Kelsey and Austin, who continue to inspire her every day with their accomplishments and character. She values a strong sense of family and cherishes spending quality time with loved ones, recognizing the importance of these connections in shaping a fulfilling life.
Celeste is a Licensed Master Social Worker. She received her Bachelor of Arts from The City University of New York Hunter College and a Master’s of Science in Social Work from Columbia University School of Social Work.
Celeste demonstrated compassion early on for the health and well-being of others through pursuing a career in nursing, and later Social Work.
Shortly after receiving her undergraduate degree, Celeste began working in the field of child welfare. This has led to a career in Child Welfare spanning over 30 years. Her professional career also includes, consulting, training, substance abuse counseling and curriculum development. She has been a conference presenter for Child Welfare League of America Black Administrators in Child Welfare, Rutgers New Jersey Family Preservation Institute and The Northeast Family Preservation Institute. Currently, Celeste is employed with the Department of Children and Families Office of Training and Professional Development. She also serves as an Adjunct Professor with the Rutgers University, Seton Hall University and Middlesex County Community College.
Growing up in a close-knit family, Celeste understands and recognizes the importance of a strong social support system to help one through difficult times.
Celeste also serves on the Board of Breathe New Life Sarcoidosis Foundation, whose focus is to bring awareness and help support victims and their families as they struggle through coping with this disease that affects their breathing.
An avid traveler, Celeste enjoys reading, music, spending time with family and exploring new adventures.
Celeste has been a member of YMF, Inc.’s Board of Directors since 2014.
AUTHOR|ENTREPRENEUR|PHILANTHROPIST
Fatima Scipio is a dynamic leader, educator, and advocate dedicated to empowering every person she encounters. With more than 30 years of experience working with children and families, she began her career as a teacher in the New York City Public School System. Today, she serves as the Director of Community Impact at United Way of Greater Mercer County, where she leads initiatives focused on youth success, financial literacy, and economic mobility.
Fatima is also the CEO of Brave Girl Media Group and the founder of Young Enterprising Sisters, a nonprofit organization providing online resources and leadership development for girls ages 8–17.
A passionate speaker and educator, Fatima has lectured at colleges and participated in panel discussions, always reinforcing her guiding belief: “Anything is possible if you just believe.”
She is the author of several impactful books, including:
Fatima serves on the board of the Yvonne McCalla Foundation, a breast cancer awareness organization. Her work has been featured on NBC’s Positively Black, News 12 New Jersey, and in Success Magazine, Essence, Redbook, Vista Magazine, and as a former contributor to the Huffington Post.
She has received numerous honors for her work with youth and women, including recognition as a United State of Women Change Maker and nomination as a White House Champion for Change.
Fatima holds a Bachelor of Science in Sociology from Virginia State University and a Master of Science in Urban Affairs from Hunter College in New York City. She is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, and currently resides in New Jersey with her husband and son.
Debbie Douglas, a seasoned HR professional from BK, NY, with a passion for media and entertainment, boasts an extensive career spanning various renowned companies. With a master’s in HR Management from The New School and a bachelor’s in social work, her expertise lies in career coaching, staffing/talent acquisition, and training/facilitation. Debbie’s expertise is within Talent Acquisition, managing full cycle recruitment, having held key roles at Paramount, including the lead recruiter for BET, and also recruited for all brands such as VH1, Nickelodeon, and MTV , to name a few. Her journey also included a stint at a global PR firm, Ketchum, an Omnicom Company. Her most recent role was as the Director of Talent Acquisition at Paramount. In that role, Debbie specialized in sourcing stellar talent at mid to executive-levels, aligning with her goal to enhance the company’s workforce.
Debbie also founded her consulting company, 3DHR Consulting, LLC, where her services include one on one and group career coaching. Under her 3DHR Media Staffing Solutions arm, services include Onboarding, Staffing, and Interview Training for various businesses with a specialty in media, production studios, and entertainment companies. Beyond her professional endeavors, she’s an advocate for volunteerism, a board member on multiple non-profits, such as YMF, Inc, a breast cancer awareness organization as well as IGA, The International Girls Academy. She is also a long-standing supporter and mentor to Gyrl Wonder and Save A Girl, Save a World, organizations for empowering young women. Debbie is also a public speaker. She has used her voice on multiple platforms to share her expertise, such as NY-Urban League, The Posse Foundation, The United Way, PayScale.com, Essence.com, and NAMIC to name a few. Debbie loves to give back and is also a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Debbie is also the author of “Now What? 12 Strategies To Landing The Career You’ll Love, Not Tolerate”, a book to help those who need guidance around navigating their career journeys.
Nacole Ali is a dynamic motivational speaker, media personality, best-selling author, and entrepreneur committed to inspiring global audiences. A Brooklyn native with over 20 years of HR experience across four major financial institutions, Nacole blends corporate expertise with personal resilience to guide others through transformation.
In 2015, while balancing a full-time career and entrepreneurial pursuits, Nacole was diagnosed with breast cancer. Her journey sparked a deeper mission: to empower others to Take Action—in health, career, and life. Her compelling message, infused with humor and authenticity, resonates with anyone navigating adversity or seeking growth.
Nacole’s debut book, Warrior: Built to Last, became a #1 international bestseller on Amazon. The memoir shares her powerful story of overcoming life’s hardships, including battling cancer alongside her mother, losing her grandparents who raised her, and supporting a sibling through addiction. Through every challenge, Nacole continues to turn life’s lemons into lemonade—always with grace and grit.
A graduate of Baruch College, Nacole has traveled internationally, gaining cross-cultural insight that enhances her ability to connect with diverse audiences. Whether on stage or in coaching sessions, she provides practical, visual blueprints that leave individuals inspired and equipped to act.
Now residing in New Jersey, Nacole continues to expand her platform, encouraging others to prioritize self-care, pursue purpose, and embrace change. Her leadership, storytelling, and commitment to service make her a sought-after voice for transformation and empowerment.
Debbie Wynter has been employed by Corporate America in the financial service industry. Mrs. Wynter is a founding member of YMF Inc. where she has served as treasurer since 2007. Mrs. Wynter is responsible for creating and maintaining the accounting system for YMF Inc. In addition, Mrs. Wynter has been the driving force in securing corporate sponsorship and establishing relationships between YMF Inc. and other corporations.
Mrs. Wynter has a Master of Business Administration from the Rutgers Business School of Rutgers University.
Mrs. Wynter is the sister-in-law of Yvonne McCalla, the inspiration behind YMF Inc. Furthermore, Mrs. Wynter is very passionate about the work of YMF Inc., educating and empowering women about the importance of breast health.
Mrs. Wynter is a natural born advocate whose passion is to promote a better healthcare system and for a better educational system for the youth. She is a member of New Covenant Church of God. Debbie is married to the love of her life Ivan Wynter. She is a proud mother of two sons Brandon and Nathan. Debbie loves to read, travel, spend time with family and friends, and to learn and try new things.
Lady Mary Searight is a powerful yet graceful force in the kingdom of God. Known for her loving and caring demeanor, passion for people and intense love of family, Mary Searight is a walking demonstration of the Proverbs 31 woman. Strength and honor are her clothing, and as a woman who fears and reverences the Lord, she is praised. Her constant instruction to all of those she leads is: “People don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care.”
Lady Mary, affectionately known as Pastor Mary, is the Pastor of the Abundant Life Family Worship Church in New Brunswick, New Jersey, where she serves with her husband, Bishop George Searight, Senior Pastor and Founder. Called to ministry over 19 years ago, Mary began walking in her calling as a powerful intercessor, preacher and teacher. After ‘growing up’ in the Pentecostal church, she equipped herself for ministry by attending the Bethel Bible Institute. God continued to elevate her, and after spending more than 20 years in Corporate America, she now leads a congregation of more than 2,000 members and manages the church’s operations on a daily basis. As an extension of her leadership in the New Brunswick community, Mary serves in the Supervisory Ministry of the New Brunswick Theological Seminary where she helps oversee interns and seminary students.
With a unique heart and anointing for women, Mary has dedicated much of her ministry to leading women to wholeness through prayer, personal development, and spiritual direction. She leads the Women’s Ministry at Abundant Life, known as W.I.S.E (Women In Support of Each Other) and has established monthly fellowships where hundreds of women gather to be edified and nurtured. Born out of her own experience, Mary also mentors first ladies in various parts of the country, sharing her own experience through intimate, bi-monthly meet ups. Mary has extended her focus on leadership and personal development for women internationally, ministering to and mentoring women from all backgrounds in countries such South Africa, Mexico, the British Virgin Islands and the Dominican Republic. With a strong commitment to advancing causes that benefit and uplift women facing health and life life challenges, she currently serves as an advisory board member of Yvonne McCalla Foundation, and has actively supported programs and initiatives led by the Sisters Network (national breast cancer organization dedicated to African American women) and March of Dimes.
Through her commitment to God and faithfulness to Bishop George C. Searight, the Lord has blessed them to celebrate twenty-one years in excellence in Pastoral Leadership. Lady Mary has been married to Bishop Searight for 36 years. Out of this union, the Lord has blessed them with two children, Erika and George II, and their first grandson, George Searight, III.
