Debra Gillispie is the Founder of Mothers Against Gun Violence (MAGV) and the creator of the Voices of Gun Violence initiative. She founded MAGV after the devastating loss of her only son, Kirk Patrick Bickham Jr., to gun violence in 2003. Through her grief, Debra committed herself to transforming pain into purpose by uplifting the voices of survivors and advocating for healing, awareness, and change within communities impacted by violence. Building on the stories she collected from survivors and families, Debra co-developed Voices of Gun Violence in collaboration with the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee (UWM) and Carroll University. The initiative includes a digital platform and interactive bus shelter installations that bring these stories into public spaces through art, storytelling, and technology.

As Creative Director of the installations, Debra leads the effort to honor victims, amplify unheard voices, and create spaces for reflection, dialogue, and community healing.Her work is done in honor of her son, Kirk Patrick Bickham Jr., and all those whose lives have been impacted by gun violence.