The Board
Debbie
Founder
Debbie is the Co-Founder and CEO of Jalisco International Import, Inc., a minority woman-owned business that produces and owns the ultra-premium tequila brand Señor Rio Tequila. Prior to becoming an entrepreneur, she worked for over two decades in the Banking and Real Estate industries. During that time, Debbie developed her love of connecting with and helping families achieve their dream of homeownership.
Debbie believes in family first and loves learning about the people who cross her path. She is the second oldest of 7 children raised by a single mother who did the best she could while dealing with manic depression. She grew up with hope, the love of a doting grandmother, and public assistance. As a family in need, Debbie and her siblings lived on welfare, food stamps, and free medical care. She is grateful for their assistance and vows to give back because of that experience.
Giving back is one of the passions that lives deep in Debbie’s core, and as a result, she is committed to helping others, especially children, because she feels they are such a beautiful gift. As a grandmother to 6 amazing grandchildren, she cherishes her time with each and every one of them. Her twin granddaughters, Katalina and Klaudia, were born in 2015 and diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy and Angelman Syndrome. While this was heartbreaking news for Debbie and her daughter, these special angels are a blessing to the entire family. Yes, they’ll face many challenges and need more help than most children; their joy and spirit inspired Debbie to start and dedicate the We Care Crusade to them. She knows firsthand the struggles everyday life can bring to families of special needs children. We Care Crusade’s mission is to help these children and their families, one child at a time, while putting families first!
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Debbie is a baby boomer, widow, and entrepreneur who believes in philanthropy, charity, and improving the lives of others. Originally from Chicago, Illinois, Debbie moved to Gilbert, Arizona, 2000 and has two beautiful daughters. When she’s not working, she loves spending time with family and friends, meeting new people, and traveling.
Her favorite quotes are:
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"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." - Gandhi
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"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." - Matthew 7:12
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Diana
Director
Diana is an entrepreneur and founder of Embracing Me Academy, an online personal development learning environment dedicated to helping others find their strength from within. She’s passionate about teaching people how to embrace who they are and achieve their dreams.
Before becoming an entrepreneur, Diana spent over 15 years working with non-profit organizations to help them fulfill their missions and K-12 organizations supporting technology in the classroom. She’s proficient at using technology for process improvement and has a Master of Science in Training and Development. Her knowledge and experience help Diana educate others by creating online learning environments that are simple and easy to use.
Because Diana is committed to giving back and helping those in need, she’s volunteered many hours to support causes that make a difference in people’s lives. Because of this commitment that she’s honored to be a We Care Crusade board member. Diana believes every child is a blessing, and she’s dedicated to changing the lives of children and their families who need extra support.
Diana has been married to her wonderful husband for over 30 years and has an amazing son, a fantastic daughter, and one awesome granddaughter. After living in Joliet, IL, she moved to Charleston, SC, in 2005. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, relaxing at the beach, learning new things, and traveling.
Her favorite quotes are:
“Everyone of us needs to show how much we care for each other and, in the process, care for ourselves.” – Diana, Princess of Wales
“If you’re always trying to be normal, you will never know how amazing you can be.” – Maya Angelou
Rachel
Director
Rachel DiMaggio is a lifelong advocate for children with special needs. At five years old, Rachel discovered one of her cousins was diagnosed with autism. From that point on, she witnessed life from a different perspective – engaging, learning, and playing with her cousin required more patience, compassion, and love. As an adult, Rachel had another firsthand experience with special needs, her best friend Crystal Attisha gave birth to twin girls with a complex genetic disorder that primarily affects the central nervous system called Angelman Syndrome. It took twice the effort to get the necessary resources for the girls to live a more normal life. There is no cure for Angelman Syndrome, and lifelong support is needed. Rachel was disappointed with how the world treated children with special needs and vowed to make a difference personally and professionally.
Rachel received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Illinois – Chicago and a Master of Science in Nursing from Johns Hopkins University. While living in Arizona, she became a Board Member of the International Dyslexia Association, where she raised money and awareness by participating in the Orange County Half Marathon. In New York City, Rachel worked as a Patient Diagnosis Liaison at Ultragenyx Pharmaceuticals and identified physicians who treated children and adults with a rare metabolic bone disorder called X-Linked Hypophosphatemia. Rachel continued her rare disease journey as a Medical Science Liaison at Alexion Pharmaceutical, providing education and awareness of rare blood disorders called Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome and Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria.
Rachel lives in Chicago with her husband. Weekends are usually spent exploring new parts of the city or spending quality time with family and friends. She is also an avid traveler and enjoyed her honeymoon in Italy and France. Rachel is excited to bring her knowledge and experience to the next chapter of her life as the newest Board Member of We Care Crusade.
Michael
Director
Michael is a Certified Automotive Technician specializing in the care and maintenance of Chevrolet vehicles. During his career, he’s received multiple awards and other certifications from General Motors making him a valued and dedicated member of the team. This dedication extends to his community where Michael served as President of the Park Board, Billings Lodge AFAM Master, President of the Abou Ben Adhem Shrine Bowlers, and Captain of the Abou Ben Adhem Shrine Clowns.
Michael’s real passion is being the Shrine Clown “Grease Monkey” who entertains and makes balloon animals for children. He also enjoys participating in fundraising events to help sponsor children in need of assistance from Shriners Hospitals for Children. Michael has personally sponsored treatment for 4 children so they could receive care that may not have been available. Michael loves entertaining children, knowing that Grease Monkey brings joy and laughter to a child who may be having a difficult time.
Due to his love of helping children, it was an easy decision for Michael to join the board of We Care Crusade. He knows first-hand how the little things can make such a big difference in a child’s life. His commitment to making others laugh and feel good is what inspired Michael to take an active role in enhancing the lives of children with special needs and their families.
Originally from the suburbs of Chicago, Michael is the youngest of 7. He moved to Battlefield, Missouri, in 1995 where he met his wonderful wife Lesa. They have a son Timothy, who’s also a Shrine Clown. When he’s not working and volunteering his time helping children; Michael enjoys bowling, golf, and traveling to the Caribbean hanging out in his favorite place…Belize!
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Michael’s favorite quotes are:
“When it’s cold outside, show the world the warmth of your smile” -Rascal Flatts
"No man stands so tall as when he is helping a child” – Abraham Lincoln