Deborah Kevin – 59
founder and Chief Inspiration Officer of Highlander Press
About me
Deborah Kevin (pronounced KEY-vin), chief inspiration officer of Highlander Press since 2012, has been involved with books her entire life, starting at age four when she taught herself to read. She serves as CEO, developmental editor, and lead instructor for Highlander Press’s Author Academy, working collaboratively with other women-owned businesses to fulfill graphic design, layout, marketing, and book launching specialties.
Prior to starting Highlander Press, Deborah was a CPA, Six Sigma Black Belt, and Change Leader with degrees and certificates from Penn State University, State University of New York-Geneseo, and Cornell University. She graduated from Stanford University’s writing certificate program where she penned two novels and earned her master’s degree in publishing from Western Colorado University.
Debby loves growing authors, demystifying the publishing process, and guiding thought leaders to claim their brilliance with clarity and confidence. She lives in Baltimore, Maryland, with the love of her life, Rob, their family, and a rambunctious pup, Fergus—that is, when they’re not off discovering the world.
What do you do and why do you do it?
I’m passionate about giving women a voice and amplifying their impact with a well-written, beautiful book. The more we empower women to claim their brilliance, the more positivity and growth we experience. I’m all in for that.
What changed for you after age 50?
I gave zero Fs what other people thought! I also felt more like myself than I had in decades–and discovered that I’m a manifesting mofo!
What would you tell the 20 or 30-year-old YOU?
Don’t worry so much. You’re more powerful than you can imagine and everything will work out for you.
What do you think you’ll tell yourself in retrospect at the end of your life?
You’ve accomplished what you were meant to. Well done, you!
What impact do you think increased visibility can have on your business?
Increased visibility means greater impact.
Who or what inspires you and why?
I’m inspired by P!nk. She is a total badass, empowers women through her music, and is an incredible wife and mother. I love that, at 43, she’s unapologetically herself (something I learned much later in life).
