Justice. Kindness. Humility. Three words that, in my mind, characterize one person – Debby Hampton. After a more than 30-year career in the nonprofit sector, Debby recently decided to retire from her role as CEO of the United Way of Central Oklahoma. Her storied career of service is marked with many of the events that helped shape Oklahoma – the Murrah Building Bombing, various tornadoes and other natural disasters, as well as many successes. Beneath her various leadership positions and her countless accolades lie those three words – justice, kindness, humility. Debby worked on the frontlines of some of our society’s toughest battles because she believes every human being deserves a chance at a better life. Her work at the American Red Cross, The Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits and The United Way of Central Oklahoma gave her the opportunity to create better, more just and fair lives for thousands of Oklahomans. When Debby saw a problem, she did everything she could to address it. She fought for justice for Bombing victims and their families, ensuring they had adequate care for years. She cares deeply about a just world and uses her skills of persuasion and diplomacy to fight for one. Kindness and her deep care for others is what led Debby to serve nonprofits. Her career, which spans multiple decades, organizations and causes, has allowed her to impact thousands of lives directly and indirectly. Despite a jampacked schedule, she is always there when someone needs a helping hand or listening ear. Her devotion to her family supersedes all others. Her husband, their sons and her wonderful mother will always come first. Debby leads with kindness and works to put it into action daily. Debby characterizes humility and has shown me that it is a strength, not a weakness. Never one to seek the spotlight or recognition, she is most comfortable on the frontlines. During her time at the Red Cross, she excelled in her work with the volunteers because of this trait. They identified with her because she walked in their shoes, which is something we could all probably learn to do a little more often. Her quite, humble approach to leadership stands as an example for so many nonprofit leaders to follow. Justice. Kindness. Humility. Three small words with profound meaning and power. Maybe if we were all a little more like Debby Hampton this world would be a little better too. by Marnie Taylor