Deborah Dubois is a dynamic nonprofit leader best known as the President of the MBA Opens Doors Foundation, an organization dedicated to keeping families in their homes when faced with medical crises. Her work demonstrates how strategic fundraising, compassionate leadership, and innovative housing assistance can change lives.
For anyone searching to understand the impact of Deborah Dubois, it’s essential to explore her educational background, professional journey, and the groundbreaking programs she champions. Her career provides valuable insights for professionals in housing finance, philanthropy, and nonprofit management.
Early Career and Education
Before becoming a nationally recognized figure, Deborah Dubois built a strong foundation through education and early professional experience. She earned her undergraduate degree from Cornell University, where she developed a keen interest in policy and social impact. Later, she earned an MBA from George Washington University, equipping her with the business acumen needed to lead complex organizations.
Her early career included more than a decade in international, technology, and consulting roles. These experiences honed her skills in strategic planning, financial management, and stakeholder communication—skills that now define her nonprofit leadership.
Transition to Nonprofit Leadership
The turning point in Deborah Dubois’ career came when she shifted her focus from private sector consulting to mission-driven nonprofit work. Over a decade, she held senior executive roles in respected organizations such as The Center for Public Integrity, a leading investigative journalism nonprofit.
As Chief Development Officer at the Center, Deborah Dubois spearheaded fundraising strategies, donor engagement, and operational improvements. This role reinforced her belief that financial stability and transparency are essential for any nonprofit to achieve long-term impact.
Deborah Dubois and the MBA Opens Doors Foundation
Today, Deborah Dubois serves as the President of the MBA Opens Doors Foundation, the charitable arm of the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA). The foundation provides mortgage and rental payment assistance to families with critically ill or injured children, ensuring they can remain in their homes during medical treatment.
Under her leadership, the foundation has grown from a promising initiative into a nationally recognized program. Deborah Dubois oversees strategic planning, donor outreach, hospital partnerships, and grant distribution—all aimed at expanding the foundation’s ability to help families in crisis.
Related Resource: Mortgage Bankers Association – Learn more about the MBA’s broader mission to support housing and lending initiatives.
Key Initiatives and Programs
Deborah Dubois champions several innovative programs that set MBA Opens Doors apart:
- Home Grant Assistance: Provides direct financial aid to cover mortgage or rent payments for families with a critically ill child.
- Hospital Partnerships: Collaborations with children’s hospitals across the U.S. identify families in urgent need.
- Donor Development: Cultivates relationships with mortgage industry leaders to secure sustainable funding.
Each initiative reflects Deborah Dubois’ commitment to practical solutions that keep families stable during life’s most challenging moments.
Leadership Style and Values
What makes Deborah Dubois an exceptional leader is not just her strategic expertise but her deeply human approach. She emphasizes:
- Compassionate Decision-Making: Always centering families in need.
- Collaborative Partnerships: Working with hospitals, donors, and volunteers for maximum impact.
- Transparency and Accountability: Ensuring every dollar supports the mission.
Her leadership embodies empathy without sacrificing efficiency—a balance that many nonprofit executives strive to achieve.
Impact on Families and the Housing Industry
Since Deborah Dubois took the helm, the MBA Opens Doors Foundation has provided millions of dollars in assistance, preventing countless families from losing their homes during medical emergencies.
This work benefits more than just individual households. By stabilizing families, the foundation strengthens communities and reduces the strain on public housing resources. Housing professionals also benefit from the positive industry reputation fostered by the foundation’s outreach.
Recognitions and Public Engagement
While Deborah Dubois prefers to focus on her mission rather than personal accolades, her achievements have not gone unnoticed. Industry publications, including HousingWire and MBA NewsLink, have highlighted her as a model of nonprofit leadership.
Her speaking engagements at mortgage and housing conferences inspire professionals to integrate social responsibility into business practices.
Lessons from Deborah Dubois’ Career
Deborah Dubois’ journey offers valuable lessons for anyone seeking to combine business expertise with social impact:
- Education Matters: Her Cornell and George Washington University degrees provided a foundation for strategic leadership.
- Adaptability is Key: Transitioning from consulting to nonprofit management demonstrates the value of transferable skills.
- Mission Over Ego: Keeping families housed remains her top priority, even as her professional profile grows.
These lessons show how a commitment to service can coexist with ambitious career goals.
Conclusion: Deborah Dubois’ Lasting Legacy
In an era where housing insecurity and medical debt threaten families across the United States, Deborah Dubois stands out as a beacon of hope. Through her visionary leadership at the MBA Opens Doors Foundation, she ensures that families facing critical illness have one less worry—the roof over their heads.
Deborah Dubois proves that strategic thinking and heartfelt compassion can transform lives, inspiring professionals and volunteers alike to pursue meaningful change.
FAQ
1. Who is Deborah Dubois?
Deborah Dubois is the President of the MBA Opens Doors Foundation, a nonprofit providing mortgage and rental assistance to families with critically ill children.
2. What is the mission of the MBA Opens Doors Foundation?
The foundation helps families stay in their homes by covering housing costs during a child’s medical treatment.
3. Where did Deborah Dubois study?
She earned her undergraduate degree from Cornell University and an MBA from George Washington University.
4. What makes her leadership unique?
Deborah Dubois combines business strategy with compassion, ensuring transparency, efficiency, and impact in every program.
5. How can I support the foundation?
Visit the MBA Opens Doors website to learn about donations, partnerships, and volunteer opportunities.


