About

After years of being immersed in the glamourous fashion and beauty industry and challenged by her own self-esteem issues, Debra Gano’s journey has taken her from life’s darkest moments to a truly empowered sense of self in which she fulfills her purpose and passion to “teach women and girls what I now know, and wish I had back then.”

Debra’s passion is to help counteract negative role models, unhealthy media messages and the critical, judgmental nature of today’s harsh society. That’s why she has centered her focus and aligned her mission to create preventative resources, products and services to reduce the high cases of eating disorders, bullying, depression, substance abuse and even suicide amongst young women.

Debra is now the CEO & President of “Be Your Own You,” (BYOU) a self-esteem apparel and education company dedicated to the empowerment of preteens, teens, and women. She is also a best-selling and multi award-winning author for her “Heartlight Girls” book series, spreading the message of inner beauty and strength; a “how-to” for young girls to easily follow to gain access to their true, authentic self by realizing “it’s what’s inside that counts!” As President of the CIPA Education & Literacy Foundation, a non-profit organization encouraging excitement in children for reading and writing, and as Director of its Young Authors League (YAL), Debra has inspired numerous students to follow their dreams to become published authors and artists through positive-messaging. In Spring of 2010, the YAL published a collection of short stories and artwork created entirely by students entitled: “Making the World a Better Place: Student Stories about Making a Difference.”

Debra connects girls and women to the essence of who they are, building a foundation of self-worth “from the inside out,” at the core, where self-esteem begins.

For More Information On Debra’s Projects, Click The Thumbnails Below: