Keep Walking Young Lady
Official Site of Author:
Deb Johnson
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LOGLINE: KEEP WALKING YOUNG LADY
Outwardly healthy but inwardly wounded soccer mom flees to vibrant NYC, forced to confront codependency as her son battles addiction and homelessness in California.
Bio
Deb Johnson serves as the CEO of Second Chance Orange County, the non-profit organization she founded that is dedicated to assisting the homeless and individuals in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction by providing essential job skills and employment opportunities.
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Previously, Deb held an elected position as a Tustin City Council Member. During her tenure as a top salesperson at ADP, a Fortune 100 company, she ascended to Executive status before transitioning into a 20-year career as a bank consultant. Her expertise led her to be a featured speaker at numerous banking conferences, including the New York Bankers Association, Florida Bankers Association, Western Independent Bankers Association, and Washington Bankers Association.
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She has authored five articles in the Western Banking Magazine, addressing topics such as "How to Improve Your Listening Skills" and "Leading versus Managing," with more than two dozen articles published in “The Findley Reports.” Deb also made regular guest appearances on PBS's TV show Inside OC with Rick Reiff. Deb's insights are sought after, and she has been interviewed by KNX news radio and OC Talk Radio. A former member of the Screen Actors Guild, she acted in Las Vegas alongside, Who’s Line is it Anyway?’s, Wayne Brady. Having traveled to 64 countries, many alone, Deb found her unusual experiences in NYC to be more adventuresome. She graduated with a master’s degree in public administration from Columbia University in 2015.
Reviews-Keep Walking Young Lady book
Deb's inspiring life story provides the foundation for her unyielding commitment to improve the lives of unhoused individuals. Keep Walking Young Lady, showcases her resilience in the face of adversity and serves as a testament to the impact one person can have on the lives of many.
Terri Eggers
Homeless Services Division Manager, City of Santa Ana
Fantastic!
Debs weaves in the normalcy of her life with the insanity of her son's conditions very effectively. Her writing is clear and compelling and easy to read. It keeps pulling me forward. Her voice makes normal things like organizing a city council presentation compelling to read about. She does a great job of foreshadowing and building tension. It is so good and incredibly powerful.
Leah Tyler
The Atlanta Journal - Constitution
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Deb writes with passionate detail, capturing the harsh cycle of addiction’s impact
on families. In her career shift, she’s dedicated over seven years to uplifting the homeless. Her transformative memoir, Keep Walking Young Lady unflinchingly chronicles her journey thriving amidst her son’s bouts of homelessness, evoking both cathartic tears and genuine laughter.
Hafsa Kaka
Sr. Advisor Homelessness, Office of
California Governor Gavin Newsom
Media
RADIO
YOUTUBE VIDEOS
PRESS
TRAVEL
PUBLICATIONS
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“Professional Visitors vs. Successful Salespeople”
The Findley Reports · Jun 1, 2011
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“How to Speak when the Stakes are High”
The Findley Reports · Apr 1, 2011
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“The Three T's to Success- Timing, Tenacity, and Talent”
The Findley Reports · Jan 1, 2010
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“How to Find, Interview & Hire the Best Loan Officers”
The Findley Reports- volume 30, Edition 6 · Jun 1, 2006
Western Banking Magazine · Jun 1, 2005
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​“How to Succeed in Selling Lending Products without Really Trying”
​Western Banking Magazine · Jun 1, 2005
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“Banks Benefit from One-on-One Executive Coaching”
The Findley Reports · May 1, 2005
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“Everyone Sells”
The Findley Reports · Mar 1, 2005
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“Secrets to Improving your Listening Skills”
Western Banking Magazine · Mar 1, 2004
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“Leading versus Managing in the 21st Century”
Western Banking Magazine · Mar 1, 2003
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“The Advantages of Outsourcing Non-Mission Critical Functions”
Western Banking Magazine · Dec 1, 2003 ​​​
AWARDS
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Harvey Picker Fellowship Scholarship-School of International and Public Affairs at Columbia University, August 2013​
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Automatic Data Processing (ADP): The President Club - Board of Directors, 1989
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ADP - #2 Salesperson out of 1,000 Salespeople, 1989
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#1 Salesperson: Sold more business than anyone had in the history of ADP in So. California (200 new clients)
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Dean’s List - California State University, Fullerton
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Co-Ed Racquetball Champion, California State University, Fullerton
Contact
For any media inquiries please contact
Keep Walking Young Lady's agent:
714-478-8351