Rising Stars: Meet Debbie Hansen-Bosse

Today we’d like to introduce you to Debbie Hansen-Bosse

Hi Debbie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
The Flora May Foundation was born out of both personal experience and a deep passion for supporting families in crisis. I witnessed firsthand the struggles parents face when navigating the complexities of mental health and substance abuse issues with their teenagers. It became clear to me that there was a gap in resources specifically tailored for parents, leaving many feeling isolated and overwhelmed. I named the foundation after my mother, Flora May, whose strength and giving inspired me throughout my life. My mission was to create a supportive space where parents could access counseling, support groups, and actionable plans to help their families heal. Over time, the foundation has grown into a trusted resource, empowering parents and helping them rebuild relationships with their children.

Today, The Flora May Foundation has made many partnerships with other non profits and organizations with a similar mission; mental health and substance abuse prevention for adolescents. In addition to helping parents of struggling kids, we also offer a workforce development program called Working Women Winning, an 8 week upskilling course for females. Our goal is to expand WWW into neighboring counties, to help more women become employed.

The Flora May Foundation has earned acknowledgements from many businesses including:

– 2024’s Non Profit of the Year, The Stevies / American Business Awards
– 2024’s Thoughtleader of the Year (Debbie Hansen-Bosse) / The Stevie’s / American Business Awards
– 2024 Nominee for Orange County Business Journal’s “Women In Business” Award
– 2024’s Woman’s International Entrepreneur of the Year, Great Companies
– 2024 Nominee for Orange County Business Council’s “Turning Red Tape into Red Carpet” Award

In addition to helping Orange County thrive, I have positions with the following organizations:

– Board Member, The Flora May Foundation
– Board Member, Arts for All
– Ambassador, Success with Purpose
– Member, Passkeys Institue

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Running The Flora May Foundation has been an incredibly rewarding journey, but it hasn’t been without its challenges. One of the most significant roadblocks has been raising awareness about our services. Many parents struggling with their teenagers’ mental health or substance abuse issues don’t know where to turn, and ensuring they find us has required consistent outreach and creative strategies.

Another challenge has been funding. Non-profits often operate with limited resources, and finding sustainable financial support while expanding our programs has required persistence and innovative partnerships.

Additionally, I initially felt the need to be involved in every aspect of the organization, which wasn’t sustainable. Learning to delegate and trusting a team to share the workload was a personal hurdle, but one that ultimately allowed the foundation to grow and thrive.

Lastly, the emotional toll of supporting families in crisis is not to be underestimated. Seeing parents and teens struggle can be heartbreaking, but witnessing their progress and healing is what keeps me going. These challenges have shaped my leadership style and strengthened my resolve to continue making an impact.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am the founder and CEO of The Flora May Foundation, where I specialize in supporting parents of teenagers facing mental health and substance abuse challenges. We provide counseling, support groups, and actionable resources to help families navigate these complex issues. Additionally, I created the Working Women Winning program, which focuses on workforce development by equipping underemployed women with technical skills, soft skills, and paid internships to help them re-enter the workforce.

I’m most proud of the lives we’ve touched and the transformations we’ve facilitated—whether it’s a parent feeling empowered to reconnect with their child or a woman gaining the confidence to secure meaningful employment. What sets me apart is my hands-on approach and dedication to innovation. I’ve built programs that address specific community needs, all while fostering partnerships that create sustainable impact.

What makes my work unique is my ability to blend compassion with actionable solutions. I don’t just talk about making a difference—I roll up my sleeves and work alongside my team to deliver real results. Seeing families heal and individuals find their footing is what drives me every day.

Any big plans?
The Flora May Foundation is steadfast in its mission to support families and individuals through education, empowerment, and resources. Looking ahead, we plan to expand our Working Women Winning program, increasing access to workforce development training for women across Orange County and beyond. By partnering with local businesses and community leaders, we aim to create more opportunities for paid internships and job placements, helping participants achieve financial independence and career growth.

We are also exploring innovative ways to enhance our outreach efforts, particularly through digital platforms, to ensure our programs reach underserved communities. Additionally, we plan to host more community events, workshops, and networking opportunities to bring together families, employers, and educators.

A major focus for us is securing sustainable funding to broaden our impact and develop new programs that address emerging needs in mental health and career advancement. We are excited about the possibilities ahead and remain committed to making a lasting difference in the lives of those we serve.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thefloramayfoundation.org
• Instagram: @The_Flora_May_Foundation
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/www.thefloramayfoundation.org