Get to know us

Debbey Ryan, known affectionately in the community as the “Queen of Networking,” is a Lafayette native whose entrepreneurial vision has shaped a new pathway for women in business across Acadiana.

 

Born a “military brat” in London while her father served in the U.S. Air Force, Debbey relocated with her family to Louisiana, where she spent her formative years and graduated from Acadiana High School. She dove into the hospitality and retail sectors early on, building hands-on experience in customer relations, service, and business management. 

 

After a stint in California where she rose to become the first female Director of Sales & Marketing at a tech company, she returned home to Lafayette and launched her consulting and marketing firm, Prescriptive Marketing.  Through her work, she has brokered powerful connections, united businesses with synergistic opportunities, and earned a reputation for strategic influence across local and regional markets.

 

In 2018, driven by her passion to uplift women entrepreneurs, Debbey founded the Lafayette Women’s Chamber of Commerce (LWCC). Under her leadership, the LWCC became the first standalone women’s chamber in Louisiana, with a mission to offer affordable membership, mentorship, networking support, and educational resources to small business owners.  In just a few years, membership climbed rapidly to over 500 members, marking it as one of the fastest-growing women’s business organizations in the region.

 

Debbey’s service extends beyond business: she has contributed to numerous nonprofit and civic groups, including the Lafayette Chamber (now Acadiana One), local health initiatives, Kiwanis, and community development efforts. She thrives on building relationships, facilitating connections, and serving as a catalyst for local economic growth.

 

Outside her professional life, Debbey values family, community, and local culture. Whether hosting events, collaborating with local leaders, or advocating for women’s advancement in business, she remains a visible and trusted presence in Acadiana’s entrepreneurial community.