Debi Ray-Rivers was born and educated in Bermuda, graduating from Roger B. Chaffee High School. She entered the business world working for Delta Airlines in Bermuda as a customer service agent for 13 years. Prior to SCARS, she spent 14 years as a Human Resource Manager.
With the support of her loving husband, Jerry, and her two precious daughters, Brittany and Christy, SCARS was created out of a devastating family experience in 2004 that brought to light the need for greater awareness, education and healing with respect to the issue of child sexual abuse. Mrs. Ray-Rivers began her crusade to prevent child sexual abuse in 2011.
Mrs. Ray-Rivers has a passion for God, family and the protection of children. She is an example of how you can turn pain into purpose. A survivor of sexual abuse herself, she was determined to “Break the Silence and the Shame” associated with this crime against children.
Mrs. Ray-Rivers has a certification in Nonprofit Management from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee and is a trained facilitator with the Darkness to Light Organisation, whose mission is to empower adults to prevent child sexual abuse. She is a recipient of the 2013 Cablevision Community Service Award, and in December 2016, Debi was recognized for her exceptional service and work in the community and awarded The Queen’s Certificate and Badge of Honour.
- Where is the best place for sushi?
Harbourfront is my absolute fav!
- What do you like most about yourself?
My passion to protect children from child sexual abuse.
- What keeps you up at night?
Worrying about my daughters.
- What the biggest obstacle you’ve overcome?
Obtaining our SCARS Charitable status after being denied in July 2011.
- What’s your favourite thing to do on Sunday?
In the summer, it’s sitting on the beach with my husband, and in the winter, it’s sitting with my husband on our couch in front of the fire watching “Fixer Upper” or Golf.”
- How long have you been in Bermuda?
From the day I was born.
- What’s your favourite beach?
The beach at Turtle Point.
- What was your first job ever?
Selling shoes for children at W.J. Boyle & Son Children’s store on Reid Street when I was 13 years old. (Isn’t it funny that these are two of my passions – children and shoes!)
- What’s your favourite thing in your office?
Two photos, one of my husband and one of my two beautiful daughters.
- What’s your favourite thing at home?
The beautiful view of the south shore inspires me and the picture of my great nieces and great nephew remind me of the importance of the work I’m doing.
- Loquat or Bermuda Banana?
Loquat.
- What are you reading right now?
Finding God When You Need Him Most, by Chip Ingram.
