Debra Livingston: Radiance, Resilience, and Rebirth in the Wake of the Storm 

Some women do not just weather the storm—they rise through it, transformed, emboldened, and more radiant than ever. Debra Livingston is one of those women. 

In 2024, Debra—CEO of ReEmployAbility and a changemaker in the workers' compensation space—found herself at the intersection of unimaginable loss and powerful renewal. When Hurricane Helene swept through Florida, it didn't just damage her home; it uprooted the foundation of her family's daily life. Treasure Island was more than a location; it was a sanctuary, a culmination of effort, memory, and meaning. 

But here’s the thing about Debra: you cannot shake her spirit. 

Instead of retreating into the wreckage, Debra emerged from it, guided by the steady pulse of purpose and the unwavering strength of the people around her. "The life we built was taken instantly," she shared. But what remained was love, leadership, and an extraordinary community." In a time of crisis, her leadership team stepped up—not only to ensure business continuity but also to give Debra the time and space to reflect, grieve, and reclaim her footing. 

And in true Debra fashion, she did more than just stand up—she soared. 

A Milestone Year of Grace and Grit 

2024 marked an incredible 20-year milestone for ReEmployAbility, the company Debra built from a vision into a nationally recognized force for good. Two decades in business is a victory in itself—but doing it in a niche as intricate and emotionally charged as return-to-work programming is a whole other level of grit. It's about dignity, humanity, and hope. 

From the start, Debra built ReEmployAbility with heart. She has long believed in the healing power of meaningful work and the dignity it restores to injured workers. Her vision wasn't just operational—it was deeply personal. And through the highs and lows, she has held to that belief like a guiding star. That vision didn't waver in 2024. It deepened. 

“This year reminded me that entrepreneurship is about so much more than business acumen,” she said. “It’s about people. Relationships. Community. It’s about building something that can weather storms—literal and metaphorical.” 

Travel, Trust, and Transformation 

Despite the chaos Helene left behind, Debra found beauty and balance through experiences that reconnect her to joy. Her long-awaited travels to France and Italy weren't just vacations—they were soul journeys. After pouring into others for decades, Debra allowed herself to be poured into—to wander, reflect, celebrate, and always return to work with a new spark. 

"Those trips reminded me that stepping away is okay," she reflected. "When you've built something strong, it keeps going. And when you return, you bring back something new—clarity, creativity, courage." 

Her leadership team made this possible, a reflection not just of their talent but also of Debra's incredible ability to empower others. Great leaders don't create followers—they create more leaders, and Debra does that with grace, trust, and infectious optimism. 

Resilience as a Leadership Strategy 

You don't hear bitterness or blame about the storm when you speak with Debra. You hear gratitude, purpose, and someone who knows the value of being anchored in values. This woman wakes up daily rooted in ritual—prayer, journaling, movement. Her mornings are not rushed; they are revered. 

This groundedness becomes her strategy, how she navigates high-stakes decisions, business shifts, and life's unexpected plot twists. It also allows her to lead with compassion and clarity, a combination that's deeply needed in the emotionally layered world of workers' compensation. 

Debra knows the stakes—emotionally, financially, and professionally. She understands the ripple effect of injury on workers, families, and employers. And she has built systems, partnerships, and, most importantly, a culture that humanizes that experience. 

Her renewed partnership with WorkCompCollege is one of many examples. Instead of treating education as a checkbox, Debra sees it as a living, breathing ecosystem. She believes in developing the next generation of compassionate, competent professionals—and she's working to make that happen. 

The Power of Women Supporting Women 

Debra's year was marked by immense growth but also immense gratitude. She often speaks about the women in her life—those who show up, lift up, and shine without dimming the light of others. 

She draws inspiration from women like Abby Torres, whose determination and grace have left an indelible mark at ReEmployAbility. Women who balance ambition with authenticity. Women who lead with heart. Women who, like Debra, rewrite the rules. 

Debra's powerful message to women navigating storms of their own is: You will rise. Lean into your community. Never underestimate the strength within you—or the kindness of those around you. In your toughest moments, there’s an invitation to transform. 

And when it comes to transformation, Debra doesn’t just talk about it—she embodies it. 

What’s Next for Debra? 

If you think Debra is done growing, think again. She’s more energized than ever to take ReEmployAbility into its next chapter—one built on deeper partnerships, scalable solutions, and a renewed focus on impact. 

She is also leaning into advocacy, elevating voices in the industry that often go unheard. Debra mentors, speaks and shows up for others in the same way others show up for her. 

And she's doing it with radiant energy, saying, "Watch out, world, I've only just begun." 

A Legacy That Lights the Way 

Debra Livingston is not just a businesswoman. She's a builder of bridges—between challenge and change, between pain and possibility, between work and wellness. Her story reminds us that leadership isn't about having all the answers. It's about listening, loving, learning, and letting others rise with you. 

As we near the end of this year’s 31 (and thensome) Women of Influence series, it feels fitting that Debra's story comes near the end. She is not only rising through the storm—she is teaching us how to dance in the rain. Let's join her!  

Here is to bold resilience, beautiful leadership, and the radiant woman who reminds us that we can do hard things and do them with heart. 

Debra Livingston: You are the storm—and the sunshine after. 

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