Throughout her 26 years as a volunteer and leader in the Dallas area, Debra von Storch has made evident her passion for community, for connecting people, and for inspiring others to action. Her enthusiasm for United Way is obvious in the countless hours she spends advocating for our mission, both in her personal and professional circles of friends.

Debra currently serves on the Board of Directors for United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, the related Campaign Cabinet, and is an Executive Committee member and Founding Member of United Way's Women of Tocqueville initiative.

"Debra has been one of our most dedicated and committed volunteer leaders. Through her personal service, generosity and actions, Debra continues to provide excellent leadership for fellow board members to emulate," said Gary Godsey, United Way President and CEO. "We are very fortunate to have Debra serving as one of our best and brightest volunteers."

As an active supporter and reader for Mi Escuelita preschool, Debra has sponsored a corporate reading program at her firm, Ernst & Young LLP. Serving as a role model for young women and aspiring future leaders is a passion for Debra. She volunteers her time as a Big Sister to an at-risk student through United Way's Destination: Graduation program at Kimball High School. Her enthusiasm for serving others shows as she nurtures and guides youth from preschool to graduation.

In addition to serving our community through United Way, Debra serves as the Chair of the Professional Women's Network (PWN) Marketplace Networking activities at Ernst & Young. She is also a member of the Greater Dallas Chamber's Executive Women Roundtable, which brings together many of DFW's top female executives and business owners. The group addresses workplace issues, broadens professional perspectives and helps members achieve professional goals.

In 1998, she was recognized with the firm's prestigious Rosemarie Meschi Award, which recognizes those who foster a work environment supportive of women. She was also nominated for the Ernst & Young Chairman's Award. The nominator stated, "Debra's passion for people is evident with each person who comes across her path. Debra's name is synonymous with values, morals, ethics, goodness, kindness, sincerity, positivity and optimism. Her innate connection with people continues through each role she has within the firm."

Debra and her husband, Ken, have a 15 year-old son, Kevin. Debra is an avid traveler and has rafted, hiked, biked, and fished all over Canada and the United States. This summer, she and Kevin are traveling through Italy for art history site-seeing and cooking classes.