Although she was born in Brooklyn, Debra Derr spent much of her childhood in Hickory. Instead of being politically motivated, Debra is more of a creative kind.

She spent her childhood in front of the television and eventually was involved in a television production at her high school, which aroused her interest in the medium.

When Debra was in college, she attended Norfolk State and focused her studies on mass communication.

Following that, she applied to and was accepted into the television production program at Brooklyn College. Debra started learning how to shoot for the American Theater Wing.

She decided to move to Washington, D.C. with her kid and take a job as a press secretary for a member of Congress. Following that, she began working for Richard Stevens, who was the county manager in Wake County.

How would Debra educate the public about the role of a lobbyist?

How would Debra encourage the youth, especially the minorities, to get involved in government relations discussions?

What did Debra feel about stepping into public affairs?

Check out Debra Derr as she shares her journey in this new episode of State Lobbying Heroes.