Campus Spotlight: Debra Wawi
Debra’s Journey from Internship to Full-Time: Empowered by Community and Culture to Deliver Real-World Outcomes
Debra Wawi is an Associate with Alvarez & Marsal’s Corporate Performance Improvement (CPI) practice in Dallas, Texas. She earned a Bachelor and Master of Science in Economics from Texas A&M University.
In this Q&A, Debra highlights A&M’s culture that drew her to join A&M full-time following her internship. She also highlights the benefits of participating in A&M's Advancing and Cultivating Emerging Leaders (ACE) program.
Choosing A&M
Reflecting on your early career, what made A&M stand out from other opportunities?
I had an incredible experience during my internship and the chance to join the ACE program. From day one, my team was welcoming and invested in my growth and development. My project manager scheduled weekly checkpoints to reflect on how the week had gone, both personally and professionally, and provided feedback on growth opportunities. Through the ACE program, I explored my interests and strengths across a variety of industries and solutions, all within one organization. Since joining, I’ve had the chance to work on Corporate Transformation Services and Public Sector projects, while also supporting Talent, Organization & People and Supply Chain Services initiatives. The exposure I would gain was exciting!
Mentorship and Networking Opportunities at A&M
How has A&M supported your personal or professional development since you joined?
A&M offered a structured learning path through the ACE program while also providing the flexibility to create my own path. The balance of guidance and autonomy has helped me take real ownership of my growth, giving me the flexibility to choose trainings from A&M’s course catalog that match my interests and support my work. So far, I’ve taken trainings in to PowerBI, Project Management, and Logistics and Distribution.
Culture and Belonging
How has your involvement with a Network of Belonging (NoB) shaped your experience at A&M?
Since I started, the Dallas Women's Leadership Connection (WLC) NoB has been a great resource for learning and growth. It has given me the opportunity to connect with and learn from women with different experiences and perspective across A&M’s various business units. Early on, I attended a panel discussion where women discussed networking, mentorship, and work-life balance. Hearing their stories about being a woman in consulting was both eye-opening and empowering. I’ve been able to take their wisdom and apply it to my own journey, helping me grow both personally and professionally.
Core Values
How does A&M’s core value of Fun resonate with you, and how have you seen it reflected in your work or team culture?
In the Dallas office, we have monthly “First Friday” with an in-office meeting over breakfast or lunch, and then unwind together with activities like bowling or TopGolf. Outside the office, the Dallas ACE community gets together for potlucks to welcome new hires and playing pickleball. These activities bring us together to connect and enjoy each other’s company!
Just for Fun
What’s one thing on your bucket list for the next five years?
I’d like to complete the Camino de Santiago, specifically by walking the Camino Francés route that’s roughly 500 miles long. I’d love to go on this journey and meet people from across the world!
