Summary: Deborah L. Parker knows about adversity. Raised the oldest child of a single mom in a rural Virginia town after having a stepdad leave the family to fend for themselves, Deborah learned early on that having a dream and a goal along with positive roles models contributed to where she is today. A determined mother, wise grandparents and supportive extended family led the way for her to college and beyond. On the family front, she believes in the proverb “it takes a village to raise a child’ and is a dedicated aunt to a nephew and two nieces. Deborah is also the author of a motivational memoir, Navigating Life’s Roadways: Stories of Insight from My Odyssey and Inspiration for Your Journey, where she chronicles her setbacks and successes, such as a battle with breast cancer. All adversities can be instructional, she advises, so never count yourself out! Her writings on life and cultural issues have appeared in local publications in the Metro DC. During our call, Deborah shares how to deal with adversities or conflicts, not only in your steprelationships but in other areas of your life. She recounts wonderful stories of her family and work experiences around these issues. We talk about looking for commonality, having those crucial conversations, leadership and dealing with the outsider syndrome. Pull up a chair and your coffee or tea mug and join us in our conversation together. To get Deborah’s book, you can order it at amazon.com, for a signed autographed copy write to her at dlparker6@verizon.net or visit her website at http://navigatinglifesroadways.com See you soon. Claudette Chenevert The Stepmom Coach www.stepmomcoach.com
