Deborah Sundquist

Deborah Lynn Sundquist-O’Malley is an alumnus of Iowa State University graduating in 2000 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Studies and a minor in Women Studies.

While a student, Deborah provided leadership to her peers including founding the Feminist Majority Leadership Alliance and serving as a Resident Assistant (RA) for three years. This included working as a role model for 400 women in Oak-Elm Halls, as a National RA Exchange student at the University of Delaware for one year and as a senior RA in Westgate Hall. Deborah holds a deep commitment towards women's issues and has always put her convictions to work as she educates others.

In 2005, Deborah received her Juris Doctorate degree from American University Washington College of Law. Following law school, Deborah focused her practice on corporate, business transaction and real estate law at firms in Idaho and New York. Deborah also served as a law clerk for the office of the United States Air Force Judge Advocate General (JAG), interned with U.S. Senator, Tom Harkin, in his Washington, D.C. office and served as President for the Central Chapter of the New York Women’s Bar Association.  Deborah now engages with students as a member of the legal writing faculty in the College of Law at Syracuse University.

An amazingly strong woman and friend those close to her had no doubt that she would use her degrees to touch and better the lives of countless women. Originally from Sioux City, Iowa Deborah is the daughter of Carol and Ray, the sister of Megan, wife of Timothy and proud mother of Katherine and Abigail. Deborah is admired for being a passionate learner, leader, and activist. She is a perfect fit to be honored among other women in the Plaza of Heroines.

Submitted on 5/18/05; updated on 10/22/2013