Her Story
About Debbie
Debbie Quick is a Senior Technical Program and Project Management professional with more than 26 years of experience at IBM, including three years as a contractor before joining the company full-time. Throughout her career, she has led complex, cross-functional initiatives spanning enterprise security, infrastructure, software development, technical communications, and product delivery. She is known for building strong partnerships across engineering, development, testing, and business teams to successfully deliver high-quality technical solutions while driving projects from concept through implementation.
Before joining IBM, Debbie proudly served four years in the United States Navy as a Gunner's Mate Third Class Petty Officer aboard the USS La Salle, homeported in Gaeta, Italy. Her military service instilled the discipline, leadership, accountability, and resilience that continue to shape her professional career.
Committed to lifelong learning, Debbie began her college education at Dutchess Community College and earned her bachelor's degree from SUNY New Paltz while working full-time—a goal she accomplished over twelve years through determination and perseverance. As the first member of her large, low-income family to earn a bachelor's degree, she understands the value of hard work, setting meaningful goals, integrity, and treating others with kindness and respect.
Outside of her corporate career, Debbie is the founder of Debs Creative Images, where she combines her passion for wildlife photography, publishing, and education to inspire others to appreciate and protect the natural world. She is also an accomplished wildlife photographer, author, and product designer whose work celebrates wildlife and nature through books, calendars, journals, and educational resources.
Debbie has also dedicated several years as a volunteer with a licensed wildlife rehabilitator, helping educate the public about birds of prey, wildlife conservation, and the environmental impacts of pesticides. She believes that sharing knowledge is one of the most powerful ways to inspire conservation and create lasting connections between people and nature.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Debbie
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute much of my success to the values I learned growing up in a large, low-income family. As the first person in my immediate family to earn a bachelor's degree, I developed a strong work ethic, perseverance, and a belief that determination and continuous learning can overcome even the most challenging obstacles.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Always dress professionally, like two jobs above your current position. Save at least 15% of your salary for retirement. Have multiple mentors for different perspectives.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Be a sponge and learn everything that you can from everybody else. Always keep up with the latest industry trends and knowledge. Continue to learn new skills. Don't be afraid to try new things even if you think there's a risk of it failing.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Resource reduction and downsizing is the biggest challenge, losing skilled individuals and having to pick up the pieces.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Being honest, working hard, setting goals and doing your best to achieve them, being kind to others, not ever cutting corners, always giving it your best.
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