Debra Womack-Bourghs is a dreamer that knows something about broken dreams, building dreams, delayed dreams, and making the dreams of many come to life. At 27 years old she was emotionally broken, financially devastated, struggling to provide for herself with only a high school diploma and unfinished Religious Education degree. Her faith and the belief that “God is in control and He loves me” proved to be her greatest asset.
One job lead to another, and some jobs were better than the others, but ultimately there was always “another”, each paying the same minimum wage. This dead end situation led her to an introspective look at her life’s direction and a life-changing discovery. God had already “gifted” her with everything she needed for success. Her strongest “gift” was instinctive administrative skills; and so began the path of reinvention. One job trained her in Microsoft Office Suite, another honed her skills in working with high level government officials and high society dignitaries, another prepared her to navigate in Fortune 10 companies and many others opened the door to expertise in managing and negotiating with blue collar employees.
In 2000, Debra began her career in the oil and gas industry as a special project administrative contractor, was miraculously picked up as an employee, and was quickly placed on the fast path for career advancement during the next 13+ years. The high profile nature of her success allowed her to take advantage of outside community involvement in many charitable organizations; including sitting as a director on several non-profit boards. She has participated in multiple committees within the Houston Gulf Coast United Way Agency.
Ms. Womack-Bourghs believes that Administrative Professionals are an amazing breed: intelligent, knowledgeable, caring, technical and professional. Recently quoted: “It’s time we wise up and learn how to talk the language our industry understands. I know that Oil & Gas Admins International is an organization whose time has come, and I am honored to represent one of the least acknowledged, yet highly critical elements of the industry: Administrative Resources.”
Debra is a transplanted Louisianan, who considers Houston her new “roots”, has a passion for finding unusual opportunities for the displaced in the areas of training, advantage and networking. She is curious and enjoys people, trying new ideas and discovering new places, experiencing new cultural venues and helping others. After a recent weight loss, she has discovered a new passion of style, shopping, exercise and adventures.
She shares life with her best friend and husband, and enjoys the new experience as grandmother to a handsome grandson.