Debbie Dennis

Background

About Debbie Dennis

I did not start my career intending to follow in my father's digital footsteps - but then I did. Dad was one of the first computer programmers and was part of the team that implemented the first computer system at a local bank. I still have the booklet they sent to all account holders explaining the new account number system and what those numbers meant at the bottom of their checks. Fast forward a few years and I was rolling out online banking solutions to credit unions - 3 diskettes and a dial-up modem to access all that useful information that was stored on the computers my dad helped create. Then the internet came and digital took off. It went from a nice to have to critical. At my core, I am a life-long learner and love the opportunity to expand my knowledge. When I decided to pursue a master's degree, I chose a focus on leadership. Thanks to their NCAA success, when I googled master’s in leadership - up popped Gonzaga. The next three years were an incredible journey through a curriculum that opened the field in creative ways. A class on leadership and imagination, a class that included a visit to an Abbey in California spending time learning about leadership through the frame of monks and a class in Florence, Italy learning about Renaissance leadership. A certificate in Servant Leadership gave me a philosophy and focus on what matters. I did not want the journey to end! Education is so important which led to my involvement in Room to Read as a local chapter leader. This incredible NGO opens doors to children who do not have educational opportunities with a focus on primary education for all children and a second pillar to teach young girls life skills. With a focus on using the data to ensure that the available dollars make the biggest difference, this is truly a different non-profit. Standing in one of the schools and libraries that Room to Read helped create in Sri Lanka and hearing from the parents what a difference it made to their children was life changing. We take so much for granted in our lives. Each of the steps in my education and career has brought me to my current focus of helping financial institutions match their strategy to their digital path. I get to make the world a better place by enabling people to spend less time on their finances and more time living their life!