Buriens Debra George honored as one of Puget Sound Business Journals Business of Pride winners

Debra George received the Puget Sound Business Journal's "Business of Pride" award on June 5, 2025, acknowledging her significant role in Burien's LGBTQ+ community. For over two decades, George has worked with Discover Burien and Burien CARES Animal Shelter, enhancing the city’s small business environment and organizing popular community events. City Councilmember Alex Andrade praised her resilience, recalling her steadfastness in the face of discrimination in the early 2000s when she refused to resign due to her sexual orientation. Andrade emphasized that George's efforts have helped create a vibrant Burien, stating, "Burien would not be the place we see today—the good things—without her. " In addition to her civic duties, George manages communications, fundraising, and operations at Discover Burien, often balancing multiple roles in a day.

Her commitment to the community has garnered widespread recognition, despite challenges she has faced along the way. The "Business of Pride" award highlights the importance of leadership within the LGBTQ+ community and its positive influence on local businesses. George's work exemplifies the impact of dedicated individuals in fostering inclusive and thriving communities.