Tabitha Leister has spent over a decade championing the most vulnerable members of her community: children who have experienced abuse and neglect. As a longtime board member of The Children’s Center, she’s helped drive critical support for more than 150 children each year, ensuring they receive therapy, medical care, and legal advocacy. Her passion and persistence have made her a powerful voice for those who often go unheard.

From securing sponsorships for the annual Casino Night fundraiser to speaking at local events, Tabitha is a tireless advocate for children who have endured unimaginable hardship.

“I want to continue to highlight the work of our child advocates and the comfort they provide to the most helpless victims. I want to highlight the hope they provide to children in seemingly hopeless situations,” she said.

In recognition of her unwavering commitment to her community, Tabitha was named the 2025 Lockton Cares Global Community Impact Award recipient.

The Community Impact Awards honor Lockton Associates across the globe who go above and beyond to improve their communities through volunteering and philanthropy. Each recipient can direct a $25,000 donation to a charity of their choice, funded directly by the Lockton family.

However, the Global award is reserved for one Associate whose impact stands out among the rest, accompanied by a $100,000 donation funded by the Lockton family.

“Being selected as the recipient of this award is both an honor and a deeply personal opportunity to make a meaningful impact on an organization I care about profoundly,” said Tabitha. “In my community, I regularly encounter children whose lives will be positively affected by the support this award enables. While I may never know exactly who benefits, I am confident that the impact is real and close to home. Living in a small community means that every time I step outside my front door, I am among those whose lives are being touched.”

Tabitha hopes a portion of the donation will be allocated to support the addition of a child therapist who can provide ongoing care to children served by the center – an investment that would significantly enhance the long-term impact the organization is able to make in the lives of children.

“Tab is a tireless advocate for children who have experienced abuse and/or neglect in their homes,” said her nominator. “She works to support the Children's Center by serving on the board, volunteering her time, and dedicating tons of time and energy to their annual fundraiser each spring. For as long as I've known Tab, she has been raising awareness of child abuse and neglect by promoting the positive impact the Children's Center has for victims.”

Tabitha credits Lockton’s culture for empowering her to make a difference.

“One of my favorite aspects of working at Lockton is the company’s genuine commitment to giving back,” she said. “Lockton empowers employees to make a difference in their own communities by providing the flexibility to engage in causes that matter personally. But what stands out most is that Lockton’s focus has never been on gaining recognition, but rather on encouraging each of us to support the organizations and initiatives that speak to our hearts.

The fact that a community as small as mine can be recognized and supported by an organization as large as Lockton is something I will carry with me moving forward. It’s a powerful reminder that meaningful impact doesn’t depend on size, but on intention—and Lockton continues to lead with both.”