DR. LILY DEBLIEUX

Lily Deblieux believes in empowerment and uses her time to empower others. She has been a mentor for a Cuban female. This young lady comes from a low socioeconomic background, but she wants to succeed and Deblieux has continued to mentor, nurture and guide her through her college graduation. She has also mentored a student in Take Stock in Children for 5 years. That youth recently graduated from high school and was especially proud because she is the first high school student graduate in her family.

Deblieux also has a strong desire for everyone to get a great start, and she believes education helps to provide just that. She has served on The Education Foundation’s board, as a mentor, with the Men of Distinction committee (raising funds for student scholarships), and with the assistance of book collections for the students of Collier County. She serves as a member of the ABWA on the Scholarship committee and fundraising for Women in History. In addition, Deblieux is involved with the PACE Center in Immokalee and also serves as a mentor there.

She is Vice-Chair of the Catholic Charities in her area and volunteers in many activities helping those who are less fortunate. Deblieux is an active participant of many Chambers of Commerce and mentors business owners. She is also a member of The Alternative Board, meeting with local executives to improve businesses in the area. Deblieux serves on the Economic Development Council of Collier County helping recruit members to work towards the economic development of Collier County.

Because of Deblieux’s commitment to youth and education, those who she serves go on to become productive members of society and can, in turn, help someone else to do the same. She works with a diverse population and demonstrates that we can all work together regardless of our race, religious belief or ethnicity. In addition, her commitment to making her community a better place to live by leading and recruiting others to take part in the economic growth of their community ensures that all residents have an opportunity to enjoy living and working in a place affordable to all.

In addition to the above, Deblieux is also an active supporter of Relay for Life and the American Red Cross. The scope of her service is broad, and she is an excellent example of what one person can accomplish. She was named 2005 Hispanic Woman of Distinction with the Cystic Fibrosis Organization, and she has been named a leader with the Leadership Collier Class of 2006.