WHY VISIONARY CAREER LAB?
VCL’s mission is to empower individuals and institutions to unlock potential, build futures, and shape the workforce of tomorrow.
meet our founder
Debra Gallagher, M.B.A.
Certified Career Coach
Experience
With over 30 years of leadership in Career Technical Education (CTE), Debra Gallagher has dedicated her career to designing innovative, industry-connected learning experiences that prepare today’s students for tomorrow’s workforce.
As a specialist in Business, Hospitality, Marketing, and Information Technology, she has created model curriculum and led professional development initiatives that strengthen career readiness across K–12 and community college systems. A proven leader in Work Experience Education and Career Academy coordination, Debra has guided countless projects that bring real-world learning to life through collaboration, creativity, and purpose.
Her curriculum design expertise integrates California’s CTE Model Curriculum Standards with hands-on, industry-aligned activities, bridging classroom learning with workplace skills. She has designed and implemented curriculum using multiple learning management systems, including Google Classroom, Canvas, Desire2Learn (D2L), and Alludo Learning, to create flexible, engaging, gamified, and scalable learning environments for both educators and students.
Debra’s work reflects a lifelong commitment to bridging education, business, and opportunity, ensuring that every learner, at every stage, can design a career that is both meaningful and attainable.
Education and Training
Goodwill® Career Coach and Navigator Professional CertificateSchool Administrative Credential
National University
Master of Business Administration California Lutheran University
Bachelor of Science
California Polytechnic University, SLO
“Human potential is the world’s most untapped resource. Our job is to help people discover and use it.” — Unknown
every career journey is unique…
…and no two paths look the same. Visionary Career Lab (VCL) is dedicated to helping others uncover their strengths and build confidence to tell their story in a way that resonates with authenticity and purpose.
three
decades of…
…guiding thousands of students and professionals through meaningful transitions, whether exploring first jobs, navigating mid-career change, or stepping into leadership roles.
strategic insight, creativity, compassion…
…are brought to every engagement. We believe that every individual already holds the seeds of success, it’s simply a matter of cultivating them. Through resume and LinkedIn optimization, personal branding, interview preparation, and targeted career coaching, VCL empowers clients to align their work with their passions and purpose.
connect, build, reflect…
…real-world skill demands and prepare students for the work force is the foundation of VCL’s approach to help schools, training programs, and community organizations connect industry and education, by building learning experiences students will take with them for life.
love for lifE, commitment to help otherS…
…our founder, Debra Gallagher, is inspired by her four remarkable, hardworking, and animal-loving adult children every day. When not guiding others in their careers or helping clients navigate the real estate market, you can find her flowing through yoga on at the beach, exploring scenic hiking trails along the California coast, or setting off on adventures to discover new places, cultures, and experiences. Her curiosity and love for life are as boundless as her commitment to helping others design meaningful careers and find their ideal homes.
Our Mission
We’re a mission-driven team that understands the evolving landscape of education, business, and workforce development. Whether you’re a college graduate, career changer, or purpose-led professional, we provide career coaching, instructional design, and learning strategy solutions to help you move forward with confidence.
From up-skilling and talent development to designing innovative, project-based training and curriculum pathways, we collaborate with organizations and educators to bridge the gap between learning and labor market needs. Together, we help individuals and teams take bold, inspired steps toward a meaningful, future-ready career.
what WE DO Best…
Clarify strengths, skills, and goals to align career direction with purpose.
Offer personalized coaching for career transitions, advancement, and rebranding.
Create standout personal brands through resumes, LinkedIn, and professional portfolios.
Deliver project-based curriculum and instructional design aligned with CTE, workforce, and business training standards.
Support educators, businesses, and institutions in developing new courses, pathways, and professional development programs.
Facilitate partnerships that connect industry and education to build a future-ready workforce.
Experience You Can Trust…
Creation of industry-connected career pathway programs that prepare learners for success in both education and business environments.
Educator coaching and professional development focused on emerging technologies, instructional innovation, and workforce trends.
Collaboration with employers and industry partners across hospitality, marketing, manufacturing, and health care to design workforce-ready training and curriculum.
Development and implementation of project-based learning models that align academic learning with real-world applications.
Writing and securing state and federal grants to fund innovative career initiatives and expand opportunities for students and professionals alike.
let’s create what’s next…together
Interested in working with Visionary Career Lab? We’d love to learn more about your goals and how we can help. Whether you’re seeking career coaching, instructional design expertise, or workforce development solutions, our team is here to collaborate with you every step of the way.
Fill out the form and we’ll be in touch shortly to start the conversation. We can’t wait to hear from you — and to help you design what’s next!
Or, book your free discovery call by clicking the button below to connect directly with Visionary Career Lab to learn how we can support your goals.