Debbie Forster
Head of Partnering and interim CEO of CDI Europe - Apps for Good
United Kingdom
Debbie Forster is the Interim CEO at CDI Europe and has led on the national roll-out of Apps for Good in the UK. The Apps for Good programme teaches young people problem-solving using cutting-edge technology, enabling them to create mobile and Facebook apps that change their world. The programme is currently being delivered in over 40 centres and to over 1500 young people.
Debbie has 20 years of educational experience, working in a range of schools in the UK and the US, most recently serving for six years as headteacher. While in education, Debbie worked with a range of employers and organisations including Microsoft, Toshiba, HTI and SEEDA on projects linking employers and education. Debbie joined CDI from e-skills UK, where she was head of their education programmes, advising on education policy and strategy and acting as the organisation’s education spokesperson at government, partner and stakeholder events. Debbie also chairs e-skills UK’s “Girls in IT” Employers group, a campaign that brings together IT professionals to inspire young women about a career in technology. Debbie has a passion for education and giving young people of every background the best life chances and she sees technology as key to achieving this.