About Us
OUR STORY
A first-generation college student once shared a story from their first year on campus. While reviewing the dorm packing list, they saw “extra-long twin sheets” but did not understand the term. They brought standard sheets – only to find they were too short, leaving them to sleep with their feet on the exposed plastic of the mattress all year.
This story reflects a larger reality: first-generation students often don’t know what is needed for college and often cannot afford these basic necessities. My Dorm Room was created to address this overlooked inequity – access to essential dorm items – so students can begin college with dignity, confidence, and reduced financial and social stress.
My Dorm Room is helping students from low-income backgrounds including those that are first-generation-to-college to create a residential space at college that will serve as their second home. Their college dorm room will be the site of their next phase of personal development.
OUR MISSION
At My Dorm Room, our mission is to foster a positive college experience and instill confidence in students from low-income backgrounds, including first-generation-to-college, by providing them the means to create their own dorm room to study and rest, eliminating a social and financial stress.
Our Founder &
Board of Directors
Debbie Billet Roumell is known for her passion and dedication to support and bring about change for families and children in need. She has served in executive leadership roles in nonprofit organizations with a mission to address the obstacles facing under-served families, seniors, and youth. Through advocacy, direct service, education, and building community partnerships, she has a strong track record of taking bold steps to advance equity in pursuit of a more just and inclusive society.