In our 2020 issue, we’re shining the light on some outstanding leading ladies for all their accomplishments and contributions to society.

DEBBIE ALSUP
Vice President of Sales, Paris Presents, Inc., & Owner/Operator, Clear Creek Cattle Company

Debbie grew up on a dairy farm in Centerton, and it shaped the way she thinks about serving, leading and working. “We’re an accumulation of our environment and upbringing,” she says. Debbie has been married for 33 years and has two grown children. Her outlook on life is that it’s always a new day to start something wonderful, and we each have the power to make it happen! Debbie also is co-chairing the American Heart Association Go Red for Women luncheon on May 19 with Silvia Azrai Kawas and Jody Pinson.

Education:
B.S. Fashion Merchandising, South Plains College

Talk about the American Heart Association:
I’ve been involved more than 15 years! My daughter was a sweetheart, and that’s when I also got involved. My work with AHA began as a networking professional opportunity, but became personal when heart disease began to impact my family through my father, father-in-law and husband. It’s now very important for me and my children to focus on living a heart-healthy lifestyle.

Talk about the importance of giving and what it means to work with the American Heart Association:
The importance of giving is deeply ingrained in my family. We had several experiences that happened to our family that were life changing. I learned some very valuable lessons in the most tragic ways. When I was in third grade, my home was struck by lightning and burned to the ground. We lost our home and everything we owned. My father nearly lost his life that night saving our family. We ran to the dairy barn to seek shelter from the storm, and through the milk parlor room window, we watched our house burn. I’ll never forget that image. The entire community came together and helped my family get back on our feet. A house built by men and women neighbors, friends and family, and we moved in on Christmas Eve. This taught me a life lesson in community service, volunteering and teamwork. My class pulled together and bought me a Barbie doll that Christmas, and it touched me so much that I can still feel the love of that day receiving that gift. Working with the American Heart Association has provided me the platform to continue to give back to our community in an area that directly impacts my family.

Personal Mantra:
Somebody filled you with good! Who are you filling up?

Did you always know what you wanted to do?
My role model when I was growing up was Barbara Walters. She inspired me so much as a young woman. Her “I have to ask” style and never backing down no matter who she was interviewing showed that women could lead in strong position.

Thing you’re most proud of in business:
Love that Paris Presents is interested in not only what we do but the “how” behind what we do, both personally and professionally.

Quality you admire most in women:
Authenticity – as true beauty begins the moment you decide to be yourself!

Advice you’d give to other working women/moms:
From my Dad the dairy farmer, “The cream always rises to the top.”

What do you do for fun?
Love to kayak, hike, travel, garden, fly yoga and feet up yoga

What’s on your bucket list?
To hike all the trails in the Boxley Valley area. It’s taken several years to accomplish, but I’m so close! I’d also love to learn to play the ukulele.

You can view Debbie’s page in the Leading Ladies segment of the 2020 3W Magazine here.