Debbie Carlsen's campaign for school district director is their first entry into politics.

Debbie is a consultant who helps nonprofits with leadership, equity, and inclusion. They used to be the interim policy director at the National Alliance on Mental Illness Washington, a co-founder and executive director of LGBTQ Allyship, a community organizer for Hotel and Restaurant Employees (HERE) Local 8, and an English as a second language instructor at Renton Technical College. They have a teaching certification.

Debbie is originally from Auburn and Kent. They have lived in Seattle for 27 years. They have a bachelor's degree in political change through feminist and ethnic studies from Seattle University. They live with their partner and child, who attends Seattle Public Schools.