Alumni Profile - Debbie Lee

Alumni Profile

DEBBIE LEE

Debbie (top right), pictured with partner Lauren and children Mack (6) and Stevie (3).

In 2021, Debbie Lee (Year 12, 1991) made history when she became the first woman to be inducted into the AFL Hall of Fame. After an expansive playing career, Debbie is now the General Manager of Women’s Football at the Western Bulldogs. Below she shares some inspiring advice, reflects on some extraordinary achievements and recalls some fond memories of her time at St Aloysius College.

What year did you graduate?

1991

What study and work did you undertake after you finished Year 12?

Unfortunately my selections for university didn’t come to fruition and as a result I headed down a totally different path. I was forced to explore part time opportunities and in my later years moved into the corporate world working mainly at RACV, Fowles Auction Group & Uecomm.

What advice would you give to someone wanting to take your study and career path?

Whilst I didn’t undertake any formal education, my development did expand through sport. I looked for other ways to grow and be connected and I achieved this through volunteering, which I encourage everyone to do. Not only is it fulfilling, it provides you with a broader lens, it grounds you and exposures you to different people, situations and opportunities. I volunteered for many years at community football and also at the Victorian Women’s Football League (VWFL), where I held a number of roles, including President. It was here that I learnt from others and learnt through lived experiences, which I now call my university.

Alumni Profile

DEBBIE LEE

What skills have you learned across your life so far, and what has been the biggest challenge you’ve overcome?

I have learnt how to lead a group of people and work collaboratively for a common cause. I have learnt that being inclusive, valuing others and being authentic is crucial to developing a good culture. I have learnt to surround myself with people that can help with my deficiencies. I have learnt to look through others lenses. I have learnt that you should not waiver form your core values both in life and at work.

One of my biggest challenges was being comfortable being myself and to confront the fear of judgement, whilst advocating for women’s football in a male dominated world.

How do you recall your time at St Aloysius? What is your fondest memory?

St Aloysius was a great school, of course I enjoyed the Friday afternoon sport activities, in particular when we competed in the inter school sports carnivals. We had great support in our P.E staff Mrs White, Mrs Charles & Mrs Bradley. I also had fond memories of Sister Mae, she was so full of life and would captivate students when teaching. It was a good school community.

If you could give your high school self some words of advice, what would they be?

The advice I would give to my high school self, is that it is ok and important to be yourself, even if you are a minority.

Who or what inspired you?

My inspiration and determination fundamentality was driven by my lived experience. In my childhood and adolescent years, football wasn’t embraced nor encouraged for young girls and women, it was quite the opposite, in fact, discrimination, sexism and ridicule was ripe. Playing football for me was something that was at times uncomfortable and I was motivated to ensure that changed. Essentially the next generation was my inspiration. I was focused on ensuring women and girls had the opportunity to truly belong to the sport – to play, administer, coach, volunteer without prejudice or ridicule. For women and girls to be seen in the game.

What are your career aspirations for the coming years? Any exciting new projects to share with us?

I am currently the General Manager of Women’s Football at the Western Bulldogs and to be honest it is the ideal role for me. I am fortunate that I am involved in a space that is inspiring, innovative, new and is still in its formation stage. My career aspiration is to continue to advocate for change and ensure that the game is in better shape for future generations, particularly women.

I nominated to run for Deputy Mayor because I saw the need to have someone who understands wellbeing and mental health in the leadership role to support the city’s recovery from COVID-19. As Melbournians, we have been through a great deal over the past 18 months and our communities are still recovering from this. When my fellow Councillors supported me in this role, I felt overwhelming pride and gratitude for the opportunity, and a great sense of duty to follow through on my pledge, which I believe I am equipped to do with the support of those around me.

“My career aspiration is to continue to advocate for change and ensure that the game is in better shape for future generations.”