1953-

Holmes was one of the first women in NJ to graduate as a Journeyman, Machinist, Tool & Die Maker / Mechanical Engineer. She worked at Westinghouse and then Anhueser-Busch in Newark, where she was the only female Machinist and Mechanical Tech Planner in the history of the company. Holmes worked at Anhueser-Busch for 32 years, retiring in 2019. During her career she was involved in a mentoring program at 18th Avenue School and became Chess Coach for the sc hool.

In 2020, she became head chef of Cura Rehabilitation Centers in Newark and Secaucus. She currently works at NJPAC and is co-event planner of Just Being Us a Night of Elegance which honors people in the LGBTQ Community.

Debra Holmes started Diamondz N Da Ruff Cafe as Head Chef and Co-Owner in 2014 on Clay Street in Newark.

Bibliography

Jay-Z’s mother Gloria Carter on her Newark cafe

COF Awards 2023

Rub elbows with Jay Z at his mom’s new eatery