Meet the Board: Deborah Garrett
What inspired you to join the Vibrant Works board?
My mother, who at 89 years old is an incredible inspiration to me, is the reason I joined the Vibrant Works Board. Despite facing significant vision loss due to glaucoma, uveitis, and retinal issues, she maintains an incredibly positive attitude. Her resilience in the face of frequent eye injections, implant trials, and other treatments to manage her eye pressure, light sensitivity, and eye pain have deeply moved me and solidified my commitment to supporting an organization like Vibrant Works that improves the lives of others facing similar challenges.
What do you love the most about Vibrant Works?
What resonates most with me is Vibrant Works’ commitment to empowering individuals with vision loss. I love how the organization has a proactive approach to engaging Board members through various events which allows us to connect directly with the mission.
I was especially grateful for the opportunity to learn about and access resources like extra-large magnifying glasses, protective sleep masks, and specialized glasses that could benefit my mom. Touring the military uniform manufacturing facility was fascinating, and I look forward to our upcoming visit to Lackland Base Supply Center to deepen my understanding of the organization’s business. Volunteering at the Easter Egg Hunt and Golf Outing and attending Dining in the Dark for the second time were also rewarding experiences.
Furthermore, I deeply admire Cindy’s bold leadership, the awesome executive team she has assembled, and her courageous, hands-on approach. I must also add that her skydiving demonstration at the golf outing perfectly exemplifies her dedication and spirit of adventure!
When did you join the Vibrant Works board?
For more than 10 years, my nonprofit work centered on the Alzheimer’s Association, a cause close to my heart as my grandmother and two of her sisters suffered from the disease. My focus was always on finding a cure, participating in the annual walk with my sisters and work colleagues, and supporting families affected by this condition through pet therapy.
Upon relocating from Dallas to San Antonio, I began searching for a new organization where I could offer my skills and passion. Two years ago, fellow board member Mary Goebel invited me to the “Dining in the Dark” event at The Witte, which profoundly impacted me. Witnessing the challenges faced by those with vision impairment, and drawing parallels to my mom’s own experiences, I felt a strong calling to support Vibrant Works and its mission.
In December 2024, I joined the Board. As a new member, I am eager to continue to learn and see where I can help support the mission.
What is a fun fact about you?
My husband and I have been married for over three decades and have built a fulfilling life together, enriched by the love of our five dogs: a Rottweiler, three English Mastiffs, a Frenchie, and our current companion, Taffy, a charming Cocker Spaniel from Boston (hence her full name, Salt Water Taffy!). Two of our dogs were certified therapy dogs, and I dedicated much of my volunteer time to bringing comfort to residents in Alzheimer’s units.
My husband, a retired military aviator, is now an entrepreneur, running Venture X at I10 and 410, a vibrant co-sharing and community workspace designed to support small business owners. (If you’re ever looking for a unique event space, please keep Venture X in mind!).
In our free time, we’re passionate Formula 1 automobile enthusiasts, and we’re working our way through our bucket list of attending races and exploring the countries they’re held in. We’ve already experienced the excitement of races in Italy, Monaco, and Canada, and we hope to add Spain to our list next year.
What is your occupation?
I am a seasoned humane resources executive with over four years of experience supporting the life insurance president and executive team at USAA in San Antonio. I have been deeply connected to the company’s mission and my military roots and appreciate Vibrant Work’s partnership with USAA.
As I prepare to embark on the next chapter of my HR career in January 2026, I am seeking a challenging and rewarding opportunity where I can leverage my expertise to build high-performing teams, drive organizational change and develop innovative HR solutions. I believe in maximizing growth and impact in every role “flourish where you are planted”, and I’m eager to find a place where I can continue to bloom.
