Deborah Gaspard is the Program Director of Marketing, Management, Entrepreneurship, Real Estate and Workplace Skills at Metropolitan Community College. She is the Lead Marketing Faculty.

Tell us a little about your business. – The Business Division at Metropolitan Community College (MCC) (MCCNEB.edu) serves as a cornerstone of professional and economic development in Omaha. We provide a comprehensive academic portfolio of business courses for learners at all levels and interests. The program offers an Associate of Applied Science in Accounting, a Business Administration Transfer Associate and a Business Administration Associate. We also offer specialized career certificates in areas like Customer Experience, Marketing, Real Estate, Entrepreneurship, Human Resources and Financial Planning. High schoolers can attend tuition-free through the CollegeNow initiative.

How did you get started in the business? – My first exposure to Marketing was in Public Affairs at Mutual of Omaha. I worked in Advertising after completing my MBA at Tulane University. I embraced campus culture and lifelong learning 25 years ago with my first teaching position at Southeast Community College in Beatrice.

What has been your most important achievement professionally? – I was the first woman of color elected to Chair the Board of Directors of the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). As Chair, I led ACBSP’s growth around the world. I organized a President’s Panel in Washington, D.C., of women college presidents. I created a Women’s Academic Leadership Summit in New Orleans with presenters, researchers and global panelists.

Tell us a little about your family. – I have three adult children and six grandchildren. I refer to the first three who are in high school as “Round 1.” The second three, “Round 2,” are in elementary and preschool. My sons work for the City of Lincoln, T-Mobile Corporate and PayPal.

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – My decision to complete a doctorate as a promise to my mother before she passed away was a real turning point. She always asked me to return to school when my children were older. Then grandkids came, and I was always volunteering for something in the community. One day, the ask was more serious, and my response was more like a promise.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – I enjoy watching movies in theatres. I still enjoy the sounds, smells and taste of overly salted popcorn. I always make time for my grandkids.

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – “I never lose; I either win or I learn.”

If you could have a super power, what would it be? – To be fully functional with three hours of sleep.

Which talent would you most like to have? – I wish I could sing well.

If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? – Marketing Brand Manager.

What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? – The Midlands African Chamber, Friendship Home Shelter and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority.

What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? – The Wager (Audible) by Graham Green.

If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? – Pulitzer Prize-winner Toni Morrison.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/Deborah-gaspard.