Hi, my name is Debbie Jordan. I relocated to Dallas with my husband and daughter in late 2010 and was thrilled to discover the East Dallas community. I work for a local nonprofit called Mommies In Need which provides care for kids so families can access healthcare.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My husband, Ian Dunhill, works in finance, and our daughter, Maia, is entering her freshman year at Woodrow Wilson High School.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I was a print journalist who eventually “sold out” to PR and marketing. When my daughter started elementary school I took 5 years off to be a stay-at-home mom before meeting my boss at a NYE party and finding myself back in the workforce….but in a brand new field, fundraising for a fast-growing nonprofit. I love that it was started by moms for moms. I get to see everyday examples of women supporting women and the impact that has on our community.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
All 3 options at Eataly, Toulouse/Taverna, Hudson House, Mi Cocina, and Palmer’s.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
11 years
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
My boss Natalie Boyle, is the founder, and CEO of Mommies In Need. Her story is heartwarming and demonstrates the power of turning adversity into opportunity.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Italy. We lived there for many years. After moving to Dallas we went back for vacation every year until Covid hit, but our annual trip has been canceled 3 times since then. Hoping to get back there next summer.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
So I Married An Axe Murderer. Friends.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Treat others as you want to be treated.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Chartering a yacht in the Mediterranean for a week or so.
Q: What is your go-to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
Graceland Ninjaz as of a few months ago when they performed at a fundraiser of ours. They are a blast and cover many genres of music.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
LECPTA. It became my source of connection to Lakewood when we first moved here and didn’t know anyone. This group of Lakewood Elementary moms are more dedicated than any volunteers I’ve come across yet, and man do they know how to fundraise for neighborhood schools!
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Amy Schumer over Mambo Taxis at MiCo because I would never stop laughing.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
Its sense of community. I’ve never seen anything like it, and I’ve lived in many places.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
We will be empty nesters looking forward to the next visit from our daughter or heading off to parent weekends wherever she attends college.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
Friends and family know everything there is to know! I must be an open book. Ha!
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Santorini, Greece
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and the best single day on the calendar?
December because it is most likely to include time with family we don’t see enough. My birthday is the day after Christmas and has traditionally involved a “day of fun” staycation with my husband while family members are in town for a visit and stayed with our daughter. Always the best time!
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Spring break ski trip to Colorado with friends. Multiple families have been doing this trip together since our kids first started skiing.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My husband, Ian, is the most ethical person on the planet.
Q: How do you ignite kindness in your community?
By being kind. It’s that simple.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
My husband’s cooking, especially when it involves lots of garlic.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Ian, Maia, and me.
