“I wanted to train horses and marry a cowboy.” Those were Deb Bowen’s aspirations upon graduation from high school. Little did she know that higher education would take her in a completely different direction for 37 years.
Bowen’s mother suggested she take a course or two at CBC. She took mom’s advice and enrolled in English 101 at CBC with instructor Russ Beyers. Beyers changed Bowen’s course in life. He convinced her to explore various pathways in life. She went on to earn her AA degree from CBC, her bachelor’s from Central Washington University, and her master’s from the University of Washington. She never married a cowboy, nor raised horses. What she did was become an integral part of our community by serving others in her professional and personal life.
Bowen has dedicated her life to service through education. She has been the Executive Director of Junior Achievement of the Greater Tri-Cities for the past 15 years which serves 10,000 students annually in 11 school districts, private schools, and various organizations. She established an endowment for Junior Achievement which has amassed more than $600,000.
Bowen was one of five founders of the International Children’s Reading Foundation. She received the Crystal Apple Award for service to education, and on September 19, 2011, she was presented the 2011-12 Outstanding Aluma award by CBC Foundation Board Chair, Tom Harper.
She credits CBC and instructor Russ Beyers as the turning point in her life. “Through service, I have developed new skill sets, gained confidence to take on bigger and more challenging projects, and fostered some of my most treasured friendships. I encourage everyone to find a way to connect their passions, skills, and interests with a cause that touches their heart,” said Bowen.