Staff

Debra E. Hettleman – Executive Director

Debra Hettleman serves as the Executive Director of Building STEPS Inc. Ms. Hettleman develops and maintains corporate and institutional partners, and oversees all aspects of the organization.

Prior to launching Building STEPS in 1999, Ms. Hettleman, as the principal of The Morlan Group, LLC provided redevelopment consulting services throughout the Baltimore metropolitan area.

Ms. Hettleman received a Bachelor of Arts in urban studies from the University of Maryland, College Park.



Leah V. Seastrum – Program Officer

Leah Seastrum joined the staff of Building STEPS Inc. in 2009, assuming responsibility for program design, management and implementation. Ms. Seastrum collaborates with partner organizations to coordinate the junior seminar series, as well as planning and supervising the college application and financial aid workshops. Additionally, she provides support services to Building STEPS alumni.

Prior to joining Building STEPS, Ms. Seastrum had been employed as a Program Data Coordinator for Teach for America and an Academic Advisor for University of Maryland University College.

Ms. Seastrum received a Bachelor of Science in Communication Studies from James Madison University.