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A LEADERSHIP JOURNEY Passion. Commitment. Dedication. is about modeling “theLeadership way and doing something— Leadership Long Beach does all this and more, especially the youth program.
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Deborah Golian Castro, CEO/President, Creative Productions
Deborah Golian Castro believes in Long Beach. That’s why she has committed to building her business in Long Beach for more than 20 years, but this is only part of the story. Where did it begin? Deborah worked her way through Long Beach City College, while running her first entrepreneurial venture at age 17. “LBCC played a big part of helping me build my confidence, because I had the opportunity to lead organizations, participate in local and state competitions, and to interact with professors who encouraged me,” recalls Castro. Deborah’s drive and determination fueled her desire to attend business school at USC. Fast forward to today. Her many interests and endeavors outside her business, all contribute to running a successful multi-million dollar integrated marketing agency, inspiring her to do more for the community she dearly loves. After returning to USC and graduating with an Executive Master of Leadership in 2012, Deborah knew she wanted to do more to give back. First serving on a USC Marshall board, and currently beginning terms on both the Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce board and the USC Board of Governors. Central to her civic engagement is the community where she and her husband Larry have raised their two children (Andrew and Dilyara).
I had a front row seat “I infelttheliketransformation of these exemplary youth’s lives, and my daughter was one of them!
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An invitation to serve on the Leadership Long Beach Executive Committee from colleague Jim Kruger, Presidentelect in 2012, was the right invitation at the right time. While serving on the board, Deborah has had the opportunity to experience the program through her daughter’s eyes. Leadership Long Beach has a unique experiential program that engages students where leadership takes place, in every corner of Long Beach. Plus, students are encouraged to give back through a service project.
Castro and her daughter Dilyara share the Leadership Long Beach experience.
“I am honored to be a part of Leadership Long Beach and its 25-year history of growing leaders who connect to serve Long Beach,” adds Castro. Damon Dunn community leader, accomplished business professional, and former NFL player, shared his leadership values and inspiration as the recent keynote speaker for the 2013 Youth Leadership Long Beach graduation. Damon Dunn has an amazing leadership story that is being written right here in Long Beach. “The youth relate to him and he loves sharing the vision of embracing possibilities.”
Castro and Damon Dunn, leading the way for youth.
Commitment to excellence and leadership are values that match up with Castro, Creative Productions, and the brands they represent. “Leadership is a journey and no one can succeed without family, friends, colleagues and those who believe in you, and trust you to lead them down a principled road,” states Castro. Deborah is grateful for the opportunity to serve and encourages the next generation to do the same. “It’s a continuous journey that is worth pursuing.” Teamwork is key for the youth program.
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