The 21st annual Fullerton Women’s Leadership Forum will honor Cal State Fullerton faculty member Debra Stout with its 2025 Leadership in Nonprofits Award.
The award recognizes a leader in the nonprofit community who works passionately to make a difference in the lives of others.
“I feel truly honored to be recognized at the Women’s Leadership Forum,” said Stout. “It’s a beautiful reminder of the power of women lifting each other up and leading with purpose.”
Hosted by Fullerton Mayor Pro Tem Shana Charles, Councilwoman Jamie Valencia and the Woman’s Club of Fullerton, the forum celebrates women who have made a lasting impact on their community. The event is free and drew more than 200 attendees in 2024, including city and state officials.
“The Fullerton Women’s Leadership Forum is an incredible opportunity to bring together women from all walks of life to share experiences, strengthen connections, and inspire one another to lead with confidence and purpose,” said Charles. “I’m proud to help create a space where women can empower each other and celebrate their collective achievements.”
“I’m honored to co-host this event in Fullerton, a city that continues to nurture strong, talented women who make a difference in our community every day. The Women’s Leadership Forum is a reflection of that spirit of leadership and service,” said Valencia.
The event carries forward a strong legacy. Two decades ago, when she was a Fullerton city councilwoman, California State Assembly Member Sharon Quirk-Silva launched the FWLF to honor women shaping Fullerton’s future.
“I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to this year’s honorees of the Fullerton Women’s Leadership Forum. As the original founder of the event, I am incredibly proud to see Council Members Shana Charles and Jamie Valencia carrying forward the mission of recognizing extraordinary women in our community who exemplify leadership and service,” remarked Quirk-Silva. “I also wish to thank the Woman’s Club of Fullerton for their steadfast commitment to growing this event and fostering a space that uplifts and inspires women to be catalysts for change within their communities.”
“Fullerton has always been a city of women who roll up their sleeves and make things happen,” said Jane Rands, FWLF planning committee chair and WCOF member. “This forum is about recognizing that spirit and ensuring it continues to inspire the next generation.”
Stout has served as the executive director of the Fullerton Collaborative since 2015. She is a faculty member in CSUF’s Department of Child and Adolescent Studies and the Department of Counseling. Additionally, she is a faculty member at the College of Professional Advancement, Division of Health and Behavioral Professions, and the Department of Health and Human Services Professions at the University of Arizona Global Campus.
She teaches a variety of undergraduate and graduate courses in psychology, child development, research, leadership and human services. She also uses her experience to assist nonprofit programs in Southern California through DoctorS Nonprofit Consulting, which she co-founded with her husband, Dallas, in 2004.