Debra Ward

Debra M. Ward is the Chief Executive Officer of YWCA San Gabriel Valley (YWCA-SGV), a multi-service nonprofit serving the greater San Gabriel Valley region. Under her leadership, the agency delivers vital services to the most vulnerable, including older adults, youth, and survivors of domestic violence, advancing its mission to empower women, families, and communities.

Following the January 2025 Eaton Canyon/Altadena wildfires, Debra led YWCA-SGV’s response and involvement with the Eaton Fire Collaborative (EFC), mobilizing direct aid and long-term recovery support for survivors. As a volunteer, she also serves on the Leadership Council/Board for the Eaton Fire Long-Term Recovery Group, where she works collaboratively to address the ongoing needs of the affected communities.

Debra’s work with the EFC is deeply personal. Altadena is where she raised her family for more than 20 years, where her children attended local schools, and where she built enduring business, civic, and faith-based relationships. Since the fires, she has developed lasting connections with more than 300 impacted families, including over 200 who experienced the total loss of their homes, businesses, or income properties. Her involvement in local civic groups has further deepened Debra’s commitment to supporting the impacted community, and she is driven by a profound sense of duty to contribute to the relief, recovery, and rebuilding efforts.

A dedicated community advocate, Debra is an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (Pasadena Alumnae Chapter), The Links, Inc. (Pasadena-Altadena Chapter), and Women in Leadership Vital Voices. She is Past President of the Pasadena Delta Foundation and has received numerous honors for her leadership, including Business Life Magazine’s 2019 Women Achievers Award and the 2019 Women Wealth Warriors Award. Under her leadership, YWCA-SGV received the San Gabriel Valley Economic Partnership’s 2022 Nonprofit of the Year Award.

Debra was also honored by Supervisor Hilda Solis at both the 2023 Black History Month and 2024 International Women’s Day celebrations, and recognized as an honoree at YWCA Glendale and Pasadena’s 2024 Women for Racial Justice Breakfast. Most recently, Debra was recognized as the 2025 CEO of the Year by the San Gabriel Valley Economic Partnership.