Debra Chew
About Debra Chew
Debra Chew serves as the Director of the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at the National Institutes of Health, where she has worked since 2012. She has previously held positions at the Internal Revenue Service and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, focusing on diversity and civil rights initiatives.
Current Role at National Institutes of Health
Debra Chew serves as the Director of the Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). She has held this position since 2012, where she leads a team of consultants to enhance diversity and inclusion within the federal workforce. Chew manages the federal Equal Employment Opportunity complaints program at NIH, ensuring compliance with legal administrative responsibilities. Additionally, she acts as the chief advisor to the head of NIH on civil rights and workforce diversity programs.
Previous Experience at Internal Revenue Service
Prior to her current role, Debra Chew worked at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as the Chief Diversity/Civil Rights Officer from 2009 to 2011. During her tenure, she focused on promoting diversity and civil rights within the organization. After her role at the IRS, she served as the Human Capital Officer from 2011 to 2012, continuing her commitment to diversity and inclusion initiatives.
Experience at U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Debra Chew briefly worked at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as the Acting Chief Diversity/Civil Rights Officer in 2009. Her role lasted for two months, during which she contributed to the agency's diversity and civil rights efforts.
Educational Background
Debra Chew has a strong educational background. She graduated from Georgetown Visitation High School in 1986 with a High School Diploma. She then attended the University of Virginia, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and Sociology from 1986 to 1990. Chew continued her education at American University Washington College of Law, achieving her Juris Doctor (J.D.) from 1990 to 1993.
Transformative Leadership at National Institutes of Health
At the National Institutes of Health, Debra Chew transformed a struggling office into a productive consultancy through innovative strategies. Her leadership has played a crucial role in advancing the agency's diversity and inclusion objectives, reflecting her commitment to fostering an equitable workplace.