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Debra Lee

Monarchs Collective (diversifying boards & corporate leadership) I Leading Women Defined I Chairman Emeritus, BET Networks I Board Member: AT&T, Burberry, Marriott, Procter & Gamble

Debra Lee is a highly influential figure in the media and entertainment industries, recognized as one of the most powerful women in the field.

During her tenure at BET Networks, a subsidiary of Viacom Inc., she spearheaded groundbreaking achievements, such as taking the company public on the New York Stock Exchange and overseeing its successful acquisition for $3 billion.

Committed to promoting diversity in corporate leadership, Debra co-founded The Monarchs Collective to drive boardroom inclusion and launched Leading Women Defined, an annual summit celebrating African-American women in industry.

With a strong educational background that includes a Bachelor's degree from Brown University, a Master's in Public Policy from Harvard Kennedy School, and a Doctor of Law from Harvard Law School, Debra Lee is well-equipped with a wealth of knowledge and expertise.

She holds leadership roles in various organizations, serving as a Co-Founder & Partner at The Monarchs Collective and contributing to several not-for-profit boards.

Debra's impactful work and insights have positioned her as a sought-after public speaker, with a base in Los Angeles.

Highlights

Feb 17 · linkedin

I’m so excited to share with you all that my first book I AM DEBRA LEE will be hitting bookshelf’s soon on March 7th!

This book is simply put is my story — how I went from being a shy girl in Greensboro, North Carolina to a confident C-suite executive as the former CEO of BET, and beyond! It wasn’t easy, or pretty breaking the glass ceiling, especially as a Black woman. But my guiding light was, and still is, my love for Black culture – it quite literally saved me. I hope that by sharing my truth in this book I can open the doors to a host of others to come after me.

Debra Lee
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Location

Los Angeles, California, United States