Debbie Hansen's Story
My leadership journey began at age 12, not in a corporate setting, but on a championship performance team with an undefeated record for 15 years in California. We practiced diligently twice a day, for 25 hours a week, regardless of the weather. I wasn’t a natural leader—I had to work hard and push myself beyond my limits. By 8th grade, I transitioned from not even making the team to becoming its captain. This wasn’t just any team; it was celebrated as the best in the state of California for over a decade. These formative experiences taught me that leadership isn’t just about talent—it’s about grit, determination, persistence, and rising to the occasion when it matters most.
One of my favorite quotes from John Maxwell perfectly captures this philosophy: “Leadership is not about titles, positions, or flowcharts. It is about one life influencing another.” This quote resonates with my soul and has guided my leadership style throughout my journey.
Volunteering has always been close to my heart. In grade school, I started volunteering at Rancho Los Amigos Medical Center and later in life spent time as a speed timer for The Special Olympics. My mother, Flora May Hansen, and my Nana were my inspirations—they volunteered thousands of hours, shaping my view on giving back. Growing up as the youngest of nine children in a bustling household of 11, I now marvel at how my mom found the time to volunteer. Her kindness extended beyond our home and community, inspiring the creation of The Flora May Foundation in her honor. Despite raising my twin children as a single mother and managing two businesses, I remain committed to carrying forward my family’s legacy of helping others.
With the spirit of my ancestors inside of me, I founded The Flora May Foundation, laying the groundwork for a brighter future, building a legacy of hope, compassion, and empowerment.
The Flora May Foundation focuses on an overlooked area: supporting parents of at-risk adolescents. Our mission was clear from the outset: provide parents with the resources, support, and community they need. We faced many challenges, from securing funding to building a network of parters. But with determination and a business-like approach to nonprofit management, we built strong relationships with donors and community members, laying a solid foundation for the future.
The Flora May Foundation offers free consultations, therapy, emergency transportation, and support groups exclusively for parents. Our goal is to help navigate the toughest times of their lives with compassion and empathy. We’ve been graciously recognized for our efforts, receiving awards such as the 2023 Outstanding Non-Profit of the Year by the American Business Association, the 2023 Thought Leader of the Year, 2022 Woman of the
Year in the nonprofit/government category and nominated for Orange County Business Council’s “Cut the Red Tape” event. These accolades, along with honors from the U.S. Senate, U.S. Congress, and the California State Assembly, validate our work and inspire us to reach even further. Additionally, the foundation’s impact includes various pro bono acts, such as locating lost children and donating goods to hospitals and other nonprofits, showcasing our commitment to making a tangible difference.
We launched the workforce development program Working Women Winning (WWW) in response to community needs. This initiative empowers women by offering job training, mentorship, internships, and essential resources. WWW addresses the unique challenges women face entering or re-entering the job market, helping them achieve financial independence and career success.
From a young girl with a dream to the CEO of a thriving nonprofit, my journey has been about more than just personal growth. It’s about creating a positive impact on lives and building a brighter future for the community. The Flora May Foundation and programs like WWW are just the beginning. These initiatives are laying the groundwork for a brighter future, building a legacy of hope, compassion, and empowerment. Let’s continue this journey in unison, since there’s always room for more in our community. Whether you’re a parent in need, a potential collaborator, or someone who believes in our mission, you can join this movement. After all, the collective effort makes our work truly fulfilling.
Debbie Hansen – Founder & CEO The Flora May Foundation