Her Story
About Debra A.
Debra A. Lee is a payroll professional and entrepreneur based in Bryan, Texas, currently serving as Payroll Administrator 2 at Texas A&M University, where she oversees payroll operations for faculty, staff, and student workers across the university system. Alongside her role at Texas A&M, she owns and operates Paragon Tax Service, providing federal, state, business, and personal tax preparation, and holds ownership stakes in Lush Lifestyle LLC and Incredible Healthy Eatz. Her career path began in bookkeeping at HEB, where she spent several years building a foundation in financial administration before transitioning into payroll and tax work, eventually stepping into leadership roles that culminated in her recent promotion.
Lee earned her Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from Prairie View A&M University, where she was an active member of the National Honor Society and served as Sergeant at Arms for the Social Work Action Club. Before her current career path, she was recognized as Shift Manager of the Year in 2019 while working at a juvenile detention center in Brazos County, an honor that reflects her long-standing commitment to leadership and service. She remains civically engaged through her prior involvement with the Chamber of Commerce, which she intends to rejoin, and through her volunteer work with Reach America, where she teaches business tax fundamentals to local entrepreneurs.
Guided by faith and a deep sense of integrity, Lee approaches both her professional and personal life with an emphasis on compassion, accountability, and service to others. She views success not through titles or accolades but through the positive difference she makes in the lives of those around her. Central to her personal mission is a desire to uplift other women, encouraging them to embrace their purpose and pursue their ambitions with confidence, perseverance, and unwavering determination.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Debra A.
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my faith, along with perseverance and determination. I stay focused on the impact I have on others' lives, which matters more to me than any single achievement.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My faith is the foundation of everything I do, and it has given me the strength to overcome challenges and pursue my dreams. I measure success by the lives I impact rather than by achievements alone. My mission is to inspire women to believe in themselves, embrace their purpose, and pursue their goals with confidence, knowing that faith, perseverance, and determination can make anything possible.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I haven't encountered major challenges in the payroll industry myself. I work with an amazing team, and we benefit from monthly consultations with our supervisor, which makes for a positive and supportive work environment.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity matters most to me — doing the right thing even when no one is watching, taking on extra responsibilities, and supporting my teammates. My faith gives me a foundation and strength in everything I do. I measure success by the positive impact I have on others, and I'm driven by a mission to help women believe in themselves and pursue their goals.
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.