Meet Debra Hopkins

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Debra Hopkins a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Debra, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?

This is an interesting question because I believe that confidence and self-esteem ebb and flow as we learn, grow, and experience the world around us. I have a vivid memory from when I was three years old, walking down our stairs early on Christmas morning, rubbing my eyes as I was just waking up. I remember my parents and my two older sisters joyfully saying, “There she is!” They were so happy and waiting for me to come down to open the presents under the tree. When I arrived, I was met with laughter, love, and excitement to share in that experience. This moment filled me with immense joy because I felt special, needed, and loved. At that moment, nothing could deter the happiness I felt. I was safe, and all was well.

I mention this because I believe confidence and self-esteem blossom when we feel safe and not alone. This sense of security sets the stage for growth, providing inherent strength and power—like a “look out world, here I come” moment that is treasured, unbreakable, and radiant.

However, as we continue to grow, we can encounter situations that challenge our confidence. A wrong word can send us into a tailspin, a friend who turns out not to be a true friend, losing a race after training so hard, or experiencing an embarrassing moment that can diminish our pride. It is in these challenging moments, and many more, that we realize life is not perfect. Everyone faces challenges; it’s how many times we pick ourselves up and start over that enriches our character. We learn, we gravitate toward our joys to strengthen us, and we allow those we love and trust to support our efforts.

I believe that both the good and the bad, along with the indifferent experiences, have all contributed to developing my confidence and self-esteem. My ultimate desire is to never give up and to lean into what inspires me and what I believe in. It’s important to dig deep to understand what is true and what is not, what stands firm and what doesn’t, where I want to be and where I don’t. These insights are all about me, not anyone else, and that is empowering to me. With a deep realization that we each have our own story, and to honor that as much as we can.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I am the Founder and President of the 501(c)(3) organization, the Breaking The Chains Foundation (BTCF), and a certified health coach through the American Council on Exercise (ACE). I have been married for over 20 years and have two sons.

At BTCF, I provide leadership, governance, strategic planning, operational oversight, public representation, advocacy and outreach, events, services, program development and implementation, financial stewardship, resource allocation, and day-to-day management. Our focus is on breaking the chains of mental health and body image struggles while providing artistic programming and services for those seeking to “link” with others on their journeys toward mental, physical, and emotional wellness.

Our foundation uses art and expression to offer programs, events, and services that build efficacy in areas related to mental health, body image struggles, cancer, and eating disorders. We bring tools, skills, and shared lived experiences to life through initiatives addressing problematic social media use and the negative impact it has on mental health among youth and young adults. We also integrate dance with mind/body wellness principles and create unique beauty experiences for cancer survivors

In 2025, we’re excited to launch two new programs. We have a fantastic team, and I am proud to work alongside each of them. This fall, we have two major events coming up. One is our second annual youth arts wellness camp called “How To Love Yourselfie,” designed for ages 8 to 18 being held in Burbank, California. We had a blast last year! This free youth arts and wellness camp allows young people to engage with and embrace their unique qualities through self-awareness, self-love, self-enrichment, creativity, empowerment, and fun!

Last year, we launched a new chapter in Charlottesville, Virginia, and held a sold-out event. This year, we will be returning for our second annual “The Night Out: Small Plates + Big Hearts” in Charlottesville to benefit our program, “Big C New Me,” for cancer survivors and caregivers.

We are collaborating with talented creatives and artists to host smaller events throughout the year. Additionally, we will be offering workshops for our “How To Love Yourselfie” online social media literacy program, available both in-person and virtually on a national scale. Our dance productions and programming are gaining momentum, so stay tuned for more updates! We also provide a variety of health and wellness-related services through education, conversations, and social media advocacy.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Reflecting on my journey, some of my most challenging experiences turned out to be some of my greatest lessons. While not understanding at the time, these experiences have enriched my skills and knowledge and shaped the qualities I uphold today.

That being said, sometimes it takes one to confront others to understand the impact of their own words and actions along the way.

I believe that we never stop learning, and being curious is essential to that process. What values and morals light up your heart, and how can your experiences be shared with and serve others? Each of us has our own passions, which speak to us as individuals. I believe that faith can move mountains, nothing is impossible, and all chains can be breakable.

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?

They allowed me to soar and take deep dives into opportunities away from home. They never wanted to stifle my ambitions and always supported my efforts. I know it was difficult for them at times, especially since where I ventured was not always easy and often far from home. But they believed in me then and continue to do so now.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Birdie Thompson Photography
Edward Tovmassian Photography
James Wirth Photography

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