dwoods@mills.edu

Debbie has worked with transfer students at Mills since 1999. She develops and oversees transfer recruitment activities and works exclusively with transfer students. She received her bachelor's degree in International Relations and French from the School of International Service at American University in Washington, D.C. and the Sorbonne in Paris and spent one year studying at the Graduate Institute for International Studies in Geneva, Switzerland on a Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholarship. In addition to working at Mills and UC Berkeley, Debbie has worked in nonprofit program management and development.

"I am so inspired by the transfer students who come to Mills," Debbie says. "They are phenomenal women who are focused, excited by learning, and committed to finishing their degrees. One of the perks of being an employee here is being able to take an occasional class; this has given me an opportunity to get to know transfers not only as applicants in my office but also as students in the classroom. I'm just amazed at what these women can accomplish -- many have been able to juggle family and work responsibilities in addition to their academic responsibilities."

"The women's college environment at Mills seems to ignite a sense of purpose and empowerment in transfers. I remember one student in particular who had a lot of trepidation about coming back to school. She was in her thirties and thought she was going to be the only older student in class. But of course she wasn't, and even though she had to work really hard, she just fell in love with Mills and being a student again. Much to her surprise she even ended up being class president. She developed so much confidence here. She left Mills believing she could accomplish anything!"