ABOUT DR. DEBRA GRIFFITH
I’M PASSIONATE ABOUT GUIDING YOU
TOWARDS YOUR BEST SELF.
With over 26 years of experience working in three sectors of education, four-year universities, two-year community colleges, and 6-12 schools. I, Dr. Debra Y. Griffith, have served in roles ranging from Director of Student Conduct to Vice President of Student Services, Diversity and Inclusion, and currently, as Chief Equity Programs Officer in a C-Suite role. Throughout my career, I’ve learned that true leadership is about intention and a humanistic approach, nurturing others with empathy and strategic vision.
For many women of color leaders, thriving in their roles means confronting microaggressions, systemic racism, and underrepresentation.
That's why I created Do Better, a sanctuary for women of color leaders. Through heart-centered executive coaching, I help you navigate the unique challenges of leadership, with a focus on clear goals, actionable plans, and staying true to yourself.
Not sure where to start? I’m here to guide you every step of the way.
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TRUSTED BY
PAST CLIENTS.
WAYS WE CAN WORK TOGETHER
EXECUTIVE COACHING ROOTED IN AUTHENTICITY AND REAL LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE.
I see your strength, even when you may not. My goal is to help you recognize the incredible capabilities you already possess and build the confidence to elevate your leadership and impact. I believe in your capacity for greatness, and together, we will refine and amplify your strengths.
Often, we hold back from expressing our true selves out of fear or doubt. I will encourage you to embrace powerful concepts like 'liberation' instead of settling for less impactful terms. You will learn to stand firmly in your beliefs and communicate your truth with confidence and clarity.
Empathy is at the core of my coaching approach. I understand and resonate with your struggles and aspirations. Beyond empathy, I provide practical tools and strategies to help you navigate challenges and seize opportunities—whether you’re overcoming personal or systemic barriers.
With over 25 years of experience in navigating complex systems and relationships, I bring a holistic perspective to our sessions. You will gain insights into the broader dynamics at play within your organization and learn how to effectively position yourself within that landscape.
I celebrate your small wins and reflect on your progress, helping you build on your achievements. Together, we will dismantle any tendencies to downplay your accomplishments and instead, highlight and grow from them.
We will move away from playing small and step fully into your strength and leadership. This includes addressing fears of both failure and success, understanding how they impact your actions, and guiding you to take your place as a leader, fully owning your role and contributions.
LET'S TALK
ABOUT THE POWER OF DO BETTER.
“Do Better” isn’t just a phrase for me, it’s the way I’ve led throughout my career.
As a Black woman who has been the first in multiple leadership roles, from resurrecting student success programs at San José State, to serving as the inaugural Dean of Equity at West Valley College, to becoming the first Chief Equity Programs Officer at Alliance College-Ready Public Schools, I know what it means to lead without a blueprint.
For me, “Do Better” is not about perfection. It’s about showing up with courage, clarity, and authenticity, even in spaces that weren’t designed with us in mind. It’s about building programs, transforming institutions, and empowering leaders, especially women of color, to take their seat at the table with strength and purpose.
When we work together, you’ll hear me say it often: You are already enough. My role is to help you step fully into your power, navigate challenges with intention, and embrace the continuous elevation that leadership requires.
Working with Debra has been pivotal for my professional development. She helps shape your leadership passion into actionable plans. Her insights address daily challenges and inspire aspirational growth. I highly recommend connecting with her.
Cecily N. - MI
Debra is a professional, organized, and strategic leader. She brings calm and optimism to the emotionally charged DE&I Action Plans. Debra keeps our team accountable and engaged, guiding us to create a plan that will make our museum more inclusive.
Amy D. - CA
Dr. Griffith is an exceptional coach who helped me uncover my leadership skills and shape my experiences into a strong leadership statement and resume. Her unique methods focus on my overall value to an organization, not just a list of skills. I'm grateful for the opportunity to work with Debra!
Megan S. - CA
CLIENT SUCCESS STORIES
READY TO ENHANCE YOUR LEADERSHIP?
My clients come to coaching with strength and vision already within them. Through our partnership, they’ve stepped into executive roles, built strategies that move their organizations forward, and led equity and anti-racism work that creates real impact. More than titles or plans, what they gain is a trusted space to tap into their own power and shape their leadership in ways that feel true to them.
For Directors, Deans, Associate Vice Presidents, Vice Presidents, and C-suite leaders, most roles don’t come with a manual and as a woman of color, you’re often the first or few in the room. You’re expected to hit the ground running, even without a manual, and the unspoken rules make the seat even heavier. My executive coaching helps you navigate those dynamics, lead with intention and purpose, and define the seat on your own terms.
For women of color leaders facing racism, sexism, microaggressions, or retaliation, the harm is real and too often, you’re left questioning yourself and carrying it in silence. My executive coaching helps you name what’s happening, protect your well-being, and explore your options Together, we’ll create a clear strategy for your next move, whether that’s speaking up, seeking recourse, or stepping into something new.
For senior leaders charged with advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion, the work is one of the heaviest assignments to carry. The stakes are high because there have been so many starts and stops staff are fatigued, resistance is real, and skepticism runs deep. My executive coaching helps you apply a 5-part strategy to move culture, influence systems, and drive equity with impact that lasts.
For Directors, Deans, Associate Vice Presidents, Vice Presidents, and C-suite leaders, the hardest part of leadership isn’t the strategy, it’s creating true team cohesion. Every person holds a piece of the puzzle, their strengths, perspectives, and ambitions but when conflict, division, or disconnection take over, those pieces don’t fit together. My executive coaching helps you realign the pieces, rebuild trust, and move your team forward with intention and purpose.
For leaders ready to elevate their teams. Empower your people, cultivate trust, and move through conflict with clarity so your team can focus on what matters most impact.
NEXT STEPS
TAKE THE NEXT STEP IN YOUR LEADERSHIP JOURNEY.
Schedule a Complimentary 20-Minute Virtual Discovery Call with Me.
I’d love to hear more about where you are in your leadership journey and where you want to go next. This call is a chance for us to connect, talk through your goals, and see how Do Better Executive Coaching can support you with strategy, clarity, and confidence.