Debbie graduated from Vassar College with honors in history and political science, and a correlate in Latin American Studies. She still serves as an editor for the journal "Eyes of the ICC", but before joining the ICTJ, she worked at the Global Justice Center and held internships at the National Committee on American Foreign Policy, WomanSpace (a domestic violence women's shelter) and Congressman Rush Holt's office. She joined ICTJ's Research Unit in May 2007.