About
Debra Lewis
My personal story
Life, Faith, Confidence
I am a Master Education Counselor, former Mental Health Therapist, Anger Management Specialist, Certified Life Coach, Author, Conference Organizer, CEO, and Motivational Speaker. I’ve been blessed to share my life with my wonderful husband for 29 years, after six years of dating before marriage.
Raised in a single-parent home alongside my siblings, I was shaped by my mother’s strength, discipline, and ability to communicate with clarity and conviction. Those early experiences—and the values instilled in me—taught me the importance of resilience, perspective, and intentional living.
But life has a way of humbling us. Early in my marriage, I learned that not everyone sees the world the way I do, and that painful realization became one of my greatest teachers. I discovered that healthy relationships—both with ourselves and with others—are the true foundation of joy, happiness, and life satisfaction.
For 26 years, I served with the Department of Corrections, where I witnessed firsthand how the lack of effective communication contributes to conflict, hardship, and broken relationships. That experience deepened my passion for helping people develop better communication skills.
After retiring, I founded The Institute of Daily Communication in 2018, a nonprofit dedicated to teaching individuals, families, and groups how to communicate more effectively. Through workshops on conflict management, empathy, active listening, and youth development (“Stepping Out on the Stage of Life”), I help people build stronger connections and unlock greater opportunities for personal, social, and professional success.
My mission is simple: to empower others through communication—because when we learn to truly listen and express ourselves, we create stronger relationships, healthier communities, and brighter futures.
Gwen Tarver-Lee
Author, Speaker, Mentor, and Life Coach with a lifelong commitment to serving others and empowering her community. A proud graduate of Eugene J. Butler High School, Gwen went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Edward Waters University, graduating Magna Cum Laude. She later achieved a Master of Social Work degree from Florida State University, where she graduated with honors and was named Student Social Worker of the Year. Gwen also holds an Associate of Science in Paralegal Studies from Florida State College, again graduating with honors.
Throughout her career, Gwen has been deeply engaged in community leadership. She was a charter member of the 100 Black Women of Jacksonville and was elected as the first president of the Black Social Workers Association of Jacksonville.
After 33 years of dedicated service with the State of Florida, Gwen retired, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of advocacy and care. She worked with the HIV/AIDS community, individuals with disabilities, those struggling with mental health, and other underserved populations. As a Marketing Specialist with the Department of Labor, she traveled across Florida conducting impactful presentations and trainings for audiences ranging from 20 to 200 participants. Her most rewarding role was as a Social Work Services Program Manager, where she provided hundreds of hours of counseling and therapy to the underserved population in Duval County.
In addition to her professional achievements, Gwen has extensive experience as a host, event planner, and coordinator for both public and private events. Today, she continues to inspire through her writing, including her book, Off The Wall: An Extraordinary Ordinary Girl.
