Debra Wesley

Debra G. Wesley serves as the founding President of Sinai Community Institute established in 1993. Ms. Wesley also serves as Executive Vice President for Community Outreach on behalf of Sinai Health System. Sinai Community Institute is a health system‐based human and health services organization that has touched over 565,000 individuals through its 70 plus programs since its creation. She is a social entrepreneur, leader, and community builder.

Ms. Wesley, a masters‐trained social worker has a deep understanding and appreciation of “community” at micro and macro‐levels. As a 4th generation “preacher’s daughter” and resident of Chicago’s Westside as a child, she can feel the pride and pain of neighborhoods that faced social-economic educational challenges that impact one’s overall state of wellness.

Ms. Wesley has developed innovative, community‐based programs that have received national recognition. These programs have helped to: Develop the potential of children and youth; Build strong community partnerships; Support strong healthy families; Improve community health outcomes, and Enhance economic opportunities Ms. Wesley joined Mount Sinai Hospital as Director of Family Planning. She subsequently expanded her role to become Director of Family and Community Health Services to Assistant Administrator for Community Health Programs to Assistant Vice President for Mount Sinai Hospital. Prior to joining Mount Sinai Hospital, she was the Project Director for the University of Illinois/Westside Association for Community Action Community Sickle Cell Education Program. Ms. Wesley also served as the Social Work Supervisor for the Department of Patient and Family counseling at Mercy Hospital and Medical Center. She also supervised their Child Abuse Prevention Program. Ms. Wesley was the Network Organizer for the Southeast Community Organization which was the foundation for the development of the plans for the Southeast Network of Comprehensive Community Mental Health Services.

Ms. Wesley lives in Chicago in the South Shore community.