Debra Wesley

BOARD MEMBER

Debra G. Wesley serves as the founding President of Sinai Community Institute established in 1993. Ms. Wesley also serves as Executive Vice President for Community Outreach on behalf of Sinai Chicago. Sinai Community Institute is a health system-based human and health services organization that has touched over 565,000 individuals through its 70 plus programs since its creation. She is a social entrepreneur, leader and community builder.

Ms. Wesley, a masters-trained social worker, has a deep understanding and appreciation of “community” at micro- and macro-levels. As a 4th generation “preacher’s daughter” and resident of Chicago’s West side as a child, she can feel the pride and pain of neighborhoods that faced social economic and environmental challenges that impact one’s overall state of wellness.

Ms. Wesley has developed innovative, community-based programs that have received national recognition. These programs have helped to: develop the potential of children and youth; build strong community partnerships; support strong healthy families; improve community health outcomes; and enhance economic opportunities.

She is a graduate of George Williams College, University of Illinois Jane Addams School of Social Work, and Denali Initiative Community Leaders Social Enterprise Fellowship at Harvard Business School.