Debra L. Rodriguez is an artist by trade and teacher by training. She was born, raised, and educated in rural Appalachia. Leaving her rural town and earning B.A. and M.A.T. degrees, Debra set out on the lifelong journey of finding the ways and places that she could best put her work and energy into the world. The aim of her work is to create expression and experiences that move individuals, organizations, and communities toward a better way – toward more authentic, equitable, inspired, and healthy ways of living, working, and relating. Her work has taken many forms and placed her in various industries and organizations, including nearly a decade serving and leading an LGBTQ+ founded nonprofit organization in metro Atlanta. In this season, the work has brought Debra back to the change-making force that is education, and to the place on the planet most dear to her heart – Appalachia. If you’re looking for Debra, you’ll likely find her playing in the dirt, hiking, paddling, piddlin’, or front porch sittin’ with her family in their Western North Carolina mountain home.