Debra Lampert-Rudman serves as Executive Director of People & Stories/Gente y Cuentos, where she leads the organization’s mission to bring literature, conversation, and human connection to adults and teens with limited access to cultural and educational opportunities.
Since first joining the organization as Communications Manager, Debra has helped shape the organization’s public voice, community partnerships, program development, and long-range sustainability efforts. She now oversees strategic planning, fundraising initiatives, communications, and a network of professionally trained coordinators working both virtually and in person to serve communities throughout the tri-state area and beyond.
At the center of Debra’s work is a belief in the power of literature to create connection, reflection, dignity, and belonging. Through guided discussions of short stories and poems, People & Stories/Gente y Cuentos creates welcoming spaces where participants from many walks of life are invited not only to read, but to share their voices and experiences. Debra is deeply committed to expanding access to the humanities for populations too often isolated from cultural opportunities, including older adults, individuals in recovery or transition, immigrants, and those experiencing economic hardship.
Before joining People & Stories/Gente y Cuentos, Debra served as Curator of Education & Public Programs for Morven Museum & Garden and as Community Relations Manager and Regional Trainer for Barnes & Noble. Her professional background spans nonprofit leadership, public relations, marketing, arts education, literacy advocacy, and community engagement.
Debra holds a Master of Education in Children’s Literature and Literacy from Pennsylvania State University and graduated summa cum laude from Kean University with a B.A. in English and minors in Art History and Sociology.
A published author, poet, educator, and award-winning artist, Debra is a multiple Maxwell Award-winning writer and illustrator whose work reflects a lifelong commitment to storytelling, creativity, and connection. Her books, poetry, illustrations, and visual artwork explore themes of memory, compassion, and shared human experience. Her artwork has been featured in solo and group exhibitions including William Secord Gallery and the Morris Museum. Outside of her nonprofit work, Debra remains active in the arts as a writer and artist.
Debra may be reached at debra@peopleandstories.org.
