Deborah Porter

Deborah A. Porter is a nonprofit leader, equity advocate, and founder of YES Workforce®, a startup Buffalo-based organization advancing workforce training, digital inclusion, and mental health equity. With over 30 years of community service, she designs trauma-informed programs that help under-resourced individuals rebuild confidence and reshape their personal and professional narratives.

Her signature Affirmation Story© model integrates storytelling, emotional resilience, and self-worth into workforce/personal development. Through partnerships like AT&T Connected Learning, she has launched award-winning digital literacy workshops serving more than 100 adults, including seniors and socially isolated individuals.

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management–Marketing from D’Youville University, executive training from Kellogg Executive Education, and certification in Social Impact Management from INP. A two-time National Women’s History Award honoree, Deborah shares insights in her bi-weekly LinkedIn newsletter, Empower Via Storytelling.

Deborah mentors youth and families through Monroe County’s PASS Program and through Erie County the NYS Mentoring U-CAN initiative, and serves with the WNY Digital Equity Coalition, Taking It To The Streets Ministry, and as an editor with TOCK Magazine. Guided by the belief that “Taking back control of your life. It’s your life—and you own it,” she continues to champion equity, healing, and opportunity for all as an entrepreneur.