08/19/2026
π JOIN ME IN CELEBRATING MY NONPROFIT BESTIE β DEBRA NEALY! π
I am beyond excited to celebrate my dear friend, mentor, and nonprofit bestie, Debra Nealy, who has been named a 2026 Unsung Heroine by the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc., Metropolitan Atlanta Chapter! πβ€οΈ
Debra and I met during my very first year of founding P.Phashions Foundation, and I can honestly say that meeting her was a blessing. From the beginning, she has poured her seasoned nonprofit knowledge, wisdom, and experience into me and P.Phashions. She has guided me, encouraged me, challenged me, and helped me navigate the nonprofit space with confidence. Her mentorship has been invaluable to our journey.
For more than 25 years, Debra has been breaking down barriers to higher education. As the Founder and Executive Director of Step Ahead Scholars, she has guided more than 7,000 students to and through college while helping them secure millions of dollars in scholarships and grants.
She was also a founding Steering Committee member of the Georgians for College Affordability Coalition, where she played an instrumental role in establishing the historic DREAMS Scholarship, Georgiaβs first statewide need-based financial aid program.
Her partnerships and impact extend from the Carnegie Foundation to Georgia Tech, Emory, and MIT, all connected by her unwavering belief that educational equity is both a moral and economic imperative.
But for me, Debra is more than the impressive rΓ©sumΓ©. She is the friend who took the time to share her knowledge, open doors, offer guidance, and cheer me on as I built P.Phashions Foundation. β€οΈ
Congratulations, Debra, on this well-deserved honor! π You are truly an Unsung Heroine, a champion for students, and one of the most genuine advocates for educational opportunity I know.
I am grateful that our paths crossed, and even more grateful to call you my nonprofit bestie! π₯°
Congratulations, Debra Nealy! You deserve to be celebrated! ππ½ππ