Believing in Me

Homeless at 13, pregnant at 14: life was not working out the way Deborah had hoped. And yet, she is now a chartered accountant, management consultant, the founder of a housing non-profit and a mother to a wonderful 13-year-old boy. How was this possible? Was it due to a system perfectly constructed to enable Ireland's most vulnerable to excel? No. In fact, many things about the care system could have failed this young life. Deborah's success was down to two things: her sheer tenacity and the wonderful people who came into her life and found ways around the system. These 'disruptors' or 'circle of allies' include Shelly, who let Deborah spend her homeless days in a charity's office instead of on the streets; Ciara, who paid for her grinds; and Margaret, who rewarded Deborah with make-up to stay in school. These seemingly small interventions gave Deborah what the system didn't: the chance not only to survive but to thrive. Deborah is now one of these people herself, helping single parents pursuing a degree through her non-profit, Empower the Family. Believing in Me tells an incredible story. But it will also inspire people everywhere to reflect on those who impacted their lives and how our own actions - no matter how small - can make a significant impact on the lives of others.

Deborah Somorin is a management consultant, qualified chartered accountant and founder of Empower the Family Ireland, a non-profit that helps single parents and care-leavers who are pursuing a degree. In 2020, she was included on the Forbes 30 Under 30 Europe list. Her debut picture book for children, I Believe in You, illustrated by Grace Enemaku and also available now, brings her empowering message to a new generation.