“ Debz has been a huge part of the impact The Stove has had, and she has inspired me personally.

Over the last 10 years she helped us dream and realise those dreams, which have now come true, and I know there is so much more to come. ”

— Matt Baker. Orchestrator, The Stove Network

“Debz is one of a kind in her field of work.

She is engaging and encouraging when she is working with you. She seems to be able to draw out all of your qualities, and enhance them without you realising it. I have worked with Debz on a number of projects and had training from her. Not only was it fun and enjoyable, it was educational and easy to follow. We still regularly use Debz for training, and it has made our working life within our community business so much easier. She will be an asset to any organisation hiring her for training, mentoring, strategic planning, support etc. They will get the best mentor and guidance available.

She is funny, insightful and has a calming aura. She is one of the most amazing humans I know..”

— Angela Gilmour. Director, LIFT D&G

“Debz is an absolute pleasure to work alongside as my mentor, and a colleague. She brings an air of calm and empowerment to any project we have worked collectively on, and I always leave the room with a new-found energy and passion for the project at hand.

I have learned so much from her, with her years of experience working with communities and young people across the region, and beyond, and I am yet to find a task that she cannot accomplish to the highest of standards..”

— Liam Russell. Youth Development Officer, StageIT / DG Arts Festival

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— Ruaridh ThinSmith. SnyggPR

“I have known DJ as a colleague, and friend, for a number of years. When working with her for D&G Council she set the standard for much of the award winning work that was applauded throughout the Youth Work Sector. She has rejuvenated communities, changed attitudes and helped people challenge unacceptable 'normals'.

DJ is widely respected by colleagues, young people and people from the communities she has worked with.”

— Dean Goddard. Association Manager, Dumfries YMCA 

“I have worked with Debz on several key large-scale projects over the years and I'm always totally inspired and motivated by her passion, and depth of expertise she brings to everything she does.

It was such a joy to work with Debz again to bring STORM to Dumfries in October 2021. Planning is second nature to Debz and her attention to detail always takes the stress out of a project knowing that she is at the helm, leading and inspiring others to get involved. Community engagement was fundamental to the success of STORM alongside the logistics and event management which Debz executed brilliantly, with an added sprinkle of Debz magic.”

— Lou Davies. General Manager, Dumfries & Galloway Arts Festival

“We have worked with Debbie McDowall for almost 20 years now, in various capacities.  Her contributions to our projects and work have always been invaluable. 

Debbie has a widespread skillset and expertise, enormous enthusiasm, and a creative ability to inspire and uplift people of all ages, temperaments and backgrounds. She is extremely generous with her time, skills and energy, supporting people on many levels.

She is a valuable and vital member of our team, especially now as we reset and re-evaluate our mission, our future projects and have began strategic planning with her for our post-covid recovery.”

 — Caroline Uchima. Director, Allanton Peace Sanctuary