Deborah Hall is chief executive officer of YWCA Central MA, bringing over 35 years of experience in working with survivors of domestic violence and addressing the intersection of race, gender, and community violence. A sought-after speaker on gendered violence and its impact on Black women, Deborah has held leadership roles in various programs across Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Missouri, tackling issues such as homelessness, violence, and substance abuse.
Her leadership extends beyond her work at YWCA; she has served on the boards of the Worcester Business Improvement District, Jane Doe, Inc., the Central MA Housing CoC Advisory Board and the Worcester Education Collaborative. She currently serves on the boards of Mass Humanities, the American Antiquarian Society, and Children’s Investment Fund.
In 2018, Deborah founded the Worcester Black History Project, driven by her curiosity about the contributions of Black people in Central Massachusetts. Through this initiative, she has brought greater recognition to the region's rich Black history.
In 2023, Deborah was appointed to the POST Commission by Governor Healey and Attorney General Campbell, and in 2024, she was appointed to the Cultural Economy Advisory Council by the Healey Driscoll Administration.
Deborah holds a BS in political science and African American studies from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, and a MS in nonprofit management from Worcester State University.
Worcester, MA
United States
Public Programs
