Debbie Sterling

Sterling was born in Los Angeles, California on February 26, 1983. Her grandmother, Sterling Sturtevant, was an Academy Award-winning art director for animated films who worked for Walt Disney, Playhouse Pictures, UPA and Charles Schulz; science fiction author Amy Sterling Casil is her aunt. As a child, Sterling spent her time playing with princesses, ponies and dressing up, but also developed an interest in engineering. She allegedly found appeal in combining skills in art, design, mechanics and physics in order to tackle and solve complex problems. Sterling subsequently pursued a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Stanford University, graduating in 2005.

After graduating from Stanford University, Sterling moved to Seattle and took a job as an intern at design agency Hornall Anderson. She was offered full-time employment by the company a few months after. Within 3 years, Sterling had moved up to be the lead brand strategist on the New York Knicks re-brand. While Sterling has stated that she enjoyed the work, she wanted to contribute to the world in a more meaningful way, spending time volunteering at various organizations such as the Peace Corps. Sterling spent six months volunteering in India, and cites this time as one of the most influential in her life. Following her time in India, she pursued a job in jewelry making in 2009.