Awardee

Meet Debbie and read more about her story with breast cancer with Georgetown Lombardi below.

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

With passion and a commitment to diversity, Debbie Smith Rayford joined the Internal Revenue Service in December 2015.  As Director of the Diversity & Inclusion Division in the Office of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion, she was responsible for driving and promoting an IRS culture that values diversity and practices inclusion through advisory, education and conflict resolution services. In 2017 due to health issues, Debbie stepped out of management and now serves as the Senior Technical Advisor in the Diversity & Inclusion Division. In this role, Debbie oversees various programs including communications and marketing, diversity and inclusion strategy and diversity partnerships.

Debbie has over 25 years of professional business experience with an emphasis in diversity management, banking, minority business issues, the federal legislative process and venture capital investing.

A native Washingtonian, Ms. Rayford holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary and Special Education from the Catholic University of America and a Masters’ in Business Administration from Howard University. She has been the recipient of many awards. In 2011 Black Enterprise named her as a “Top Executive in Diversity” and Women In Cable Telecommunications awarded her the WICT “Inspiration” Touchstones Award.

In 2015 Debbie was diagnosed with Stage 1 breast cancer and received radiation after a partial mastectomy. In 2017 she was diagnosed with Metastatic Breast Cancer in her liver. She is grateful for each and every day and knows that the only way to survive this journey is through her faith in God and the support of family and friends.

Debbie is married to an amazing man and is abundantly blessed with a daughter and a loving and supportive 88-year-old mother!