Debra Steppel joins Aristede.com

On March 26, 2008, Debra Steppel and Jonathan Mark signed an agreement to work together to help Aristede.com "kick it up a notch." Debra's professional experiences in systems analysis, application testing, information systems project management, marketing, client relationship management, and training form a perfect complement to Jonathan Mark's web development skills.

Debra began her career at Oracle Corporation in Silicon Valley in the early/mid-1990's where she worked in several departments including Headquarters Management Information Systems, Strategic Accounts, and Worldwide Customer Service.  There she became familiar with the Oracle database, financial and human resources applications, and the software development life cycle. She trained many formerly non-technical staff members in technology basics to help them transition into more technical roles in their departments. Many of these people have since proceeded to be outstanding technical consultants to Oracle clients worldwide.

In 1997 Debra completed her Masters in Public and Private Management at Yale University's School of Management (MBA equivalent). During this program, Debra held concentrations in Marketing, Strategy, and Organizational Development.

After her MBA Debra transitioned into the consulting field. After a short stint at Ernst & Young, Debra perfected her consulting skills at Booz Allen Hamilton in Tyson's Corner, Virginia. There she worked with clients in all 3 sectors -- public, private, and non-profit -- as well as worked in the internal corporate systems group.  Some of her efforts involved testing web-based applications before they were released to end users.

Outside of her professional career, Debra has volunteered on many Democrat and Independent political campaigns in northern Virginia since 2000. She was Democratic precinct captain in her neighborhood from 2000-2004 and since then has remained active as a volunteer on various campaigns of interest, performing wide-ranging activities including database management, desktop publishing, door-to-door campaigning, volunteer management, and many other duties.