Influential Woman · Gift Collectibles
Deborah Powe
Owner, Hurlin Jam Gift Collectibles
Burnie, MD 21061
Her Story
About Deborah
Deborah Powe is a dedicated customer service professional, veteran advocate, entrepreneur, and retired federal employee whose career has been defined by service, problem-solving, and a commitment to helping others. With decades of experience supporting veterans, researchers, and government stakeholders, she built a reputation for delivering exceptional customer service, streamlining processes, and providing compassionate assistance to individuals navigating complex records and benefits systems. Deborah holds both a Bachelor of Applied Science and a Master of Business Administration from Strayer University, where she graduated with honors.
Throughout her career at the National Archives and Records Administration, Deborah served in roles that combined program analysis, customer service leadership, and military records support. As a former U.S. Army service member and the office’s unofficial military liaison, she assisted countless veterans and their families in obtaining military records, DD-214 forms, medical documentation, awards, burial information, and other critical resources. She also developed training materials, conducted staff training sessions, analyzed business operations, and implemented efficiency improvements that enhanced customer service and organizational productivity.
Today, Deborah channels her creativity and passion for service into entrepreneurship as the owner of Hurlin Jam Gift Collectibles, a personalized memorial and gift business. Through her signature “Because Love Never Leaves Us” creations, she helps families honor cherished memories by producing meaningful keepsakes that celebrate loved ones. She is also the founder of VeteransSolutions.org, an informational resource designed to help veterans and their families access important benefits and records. Guided by faith, creativity, and a deep desire to make a difference, Deborah continues to develop new initiatives that educate, inspire, and support the communities she serves.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Deborah
01What do you attribute your success to?
God first, definitely. Because he helps me so much. And, you know, we've heard about fear is not of God. So there have been a lot of times when I've been afraid to try, you know, XYZ, because I actually doubted myself when it came to what I'm doing now, because I'm like, people don't really care about this kind of stuff. Because I used to go out on vendor events, and people would come by, look at it like, yeah, okay, whatever. And then I got discouraged, but then I started trying something else, and then I put my YouTube channel out there. And I was shocked that I got 3,079 views, and the 3,000, it was like within a 5-day period. It was like, oh my gosh.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
I had a supervisor that used to tell me, you know, why don't you go ahead and try, you know, whatever it is you feel. But of course, you know, I was kind of like, I don't know if I should, and they told me this a long time ago when I was working at the National Archives. But it's like I was kind of like comfortable where I was, you know, I didn't want to go outside my box. Because it's scary going outside your box.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Well, go ahead and pull the trigger. Because I actually did a radio interview for Morgan State University last August, and I talked about, you know, being stuck and not being comfortable enough to pull the trigger to go ahead and do what I'm doing now. But it's like, if you have something in your spirit, go ahead and do it. You know, you may fail, you may be successful, but if you don't try, you'll never know.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I guess my biggest obstacle is putting myself out there, so people know that I'm there. Because I honestly think if they know, then they'll come. But if you don't know, you can't come, because you don't see it. All it is, you know, just put my stuff out there.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Honesty, integrity, hard work, because unfortunately, if you don't work, you don't get nothing. Okay, because you gotta work. I mean, yeah, I wish I had the opportunity to sit on my behind and not do nothing, but I don't have that luxury, even though I'm retired. You know, I'm a disabled veteran, but there are times when I'm in pain, I just suck it up and keep it moving, because if I don't, nothing will get done. And you do know us women are the ones that rule the world, because the men, they're like, oh, my back hurts, oh, my foot hurts, but we have a lot of pain, but we just suck it up and keep it moving.
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