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Debra Lam
Experienced Executive Director | Founder | Board Member | Innovation | Strategy | Partnerships
Debra Lam is the Founding Executive Director of the Partnership for Inclusive Innovation, a statewide public-private partnership in Georgia dedicated to investing in innovative solutions for shared economic prosperity.12 She is a prominent figure in the field of smart communities and urban innovation, continuing to lead related work at Georgia Tech.1
Professional Background
Prior to her current role, Debra Lam served as Pittsburgh's inaugural Chief of Innovation & Performance, overseeing technology, sustainability, performance, and innovation functions of the city government.1 She also has experience as a management consultant at Arup, a global engineering and design firm.1
Achievements and Recognition
Debra Lam has received various accolades for her work, including being named one of the top 100 most influential people in digital government by Apolitcal.1 Her expertise is widely recognized, as evidenced by her appointment to the Internet of Things Advisory Board by the U.S. Department of Commerce.1
Education and International Experience
She holds degrees from Georgetown University and the University of California, Berkeley.1 Debra's international experience is extensive, having worked and lived in the United Kingdom, China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.1
Current Initiatives
At the Partnership for Inclusive Innovation, Debra Lam leads various initiatives:
- Smart Community Corps: Overseeing a diverse group of innovators, designers, and entrepreneurs.5
- Georgia Smart Community Challenge: Founded on the principle that all communities can be smart, regardless of size or geography.7
- Expanding Internship Programs: Growing from 5 Georgia Tech interns to a broader program involving multiple universities and projects.8
Advocacy and Leadership
Debra Lam is actively involved in promoting innovation and inclusive development:
- She has represented Georgia Tech and the Partnership for Inclusive Innovation at a full House Committee hearing on AI in transportation.6
- She emphasizes the importance of tailored approaches to urban development, noting that cities like Atlanta should focus on their unique strengths rather than emulating others.4
- Lam is involved in collaborative efforts such as the Atlanta Civic Collaboratory, which fosters mutual aid and collective impact.3
Through her leadership, Debra Lam continues to drive innovation and inclusive development across Georgia and beyond, leveraging technology and partnerships to create shared prosperity.
Highlights
This summer, we proudly celebrated our young professionals who completed #internships and #fellowships in growth industries and public innovation projects across the region. These experiences are more than just career stepping stones—they are vital pathways to #wealthgeneration and long-term success. What truly sets these opportunities apart is the social capital they build through #mentorship and #networks.
In my recent article for Innovators Magazine, I dive into how mentorship unlocks this social capital, creating lasting opportunities for social mobility and leadership. https://lnkd.in/er3TsVG9
#SocialCapital #Mentorship #CareerDevelopment #Innovation #Leadership Partnership for Inclusive Innovation Péralte Paul Claire Collobert Angelle
While #NYC offers infinite inspiration, it's vital to acknowledge that #Atlanta isn't trying to emulate other major cities. Atlanta is charting its own path, fostering an inclusive environment where cities inspire each other to reach new heights and be better versions of themselves.
During the amazing #AtlLINK trip, almost 40 newcomers joined seasoned participants, cultivating deeper connections and forming new bonds. This mix of fresh perspectives and experienced insights is pivotal for establishing trust and patience necessary for lasting progress.
A sincere appreciation to Atlanta Regional Commission, City of Atlanta, Partnership Gwinnett, Cox Enterprises, HNTB and regional leaders for showcasing our potential to enhance job opportunities, housing options, and transportation for all. Thank you. We can continue to embrace the spirit of collaboration and work towards a brighter future for #oneregion.
Anna Roach, Michael Alexander, Melissa Roberts, Duriya Farooqui, Brian P. McGowan, Clyde Higgs, Kevin Greiner, Andre Dickens, Ariel Fristoe, Ashani O'Mard, Audrey King, Ben Young, Chris Sizemore, Cynthia Curry, DeRetta Cole Rhodes, PhD, Donnie Beamer Jr., CFA, Dr. Eloisa Klementich, CEcD, Frank Fernandez, Gerald McDowell, Jay Bailey, Malika Reed Wilkins, PhD, APR, Shannon James, Sally Riker, F. SAME, Rukiya S. Thomas, Michael Halicki, Malaika Rivers, Lauren Koontz, Lain Shakespeare, Kevin Greiner, Julia Houston, John Yates, Jahnee Prince, AICP, Justin Cutler, Kali Boatright, Nick Juliano
#Collaboration #FuturePlanning
