Deb Broka d’Aquin ’76 has built a stellar, 40-year career, becoming a pioneering woman in global business. During her years at SHS, Deb played cornet in the Whippet marching band for four years, played French horn – winning two first-place showings in state French horn competitions – played four years in the concert band and cites with gratitude band director Dwight Somerville. She found another niche in theater and thanks teacher Jim Hunter for his guidance. During her four years as an SHS thespian Deb says, “I played every old maid school marm there was.” She also was a member of the Bi-Phy-Chem Club, worked at Marvin Memorial Library and maintained a 4.0 grade point average.
“It wasn’t always the easiest going to the high school where your dad (Richard Broka) taught and was a tough grader, but I’m grateful that it forged me into a resourceful and critical thinking human, and those foundations have driven me all my life. Several exceptional friends I had the privilege of growing up with – Mike Wagner, Laura Long, Darice Smith, Amy Bricker, Mark Allard and Rocke Hudson – remain friends today.”
Afterward, Deb earned a bachelor’s degree at Anderson University and did post-graduate studies at Fordham University and the University of Santa Clara.
During her global business career, from 1988-93, Deb lived and worked in Hong Kong – where both her daughters – Eva and Zoe – were born. From her Hong Kong base, she conducted business in Japan, Korea, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia and India. Her travels also have taken her to Europe where she has lived and worked in Spain.
Later she was a founding partner of TAG Media Network, with offices in Washington, D.C. and Bangalore, India. Currently, Deb is senior vice president of marketing for Eci eCommerce Industries where she is building a global software brand. She and husband Jerry are art enthusiasts and founded the d’Aquin Gallery in Burnsville, North Carolina where they have lived since 2014. Says one alum, “Deb’s success in global business has required sizable measures of both ability and determination. Her record stands as a beacon for other aspiring women.”