Abby J. Leibman, is President & CEO of MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger, a national advocacy organization working to end hunger and its causes, among people of all faiths and backgrounds in the United States and Israel. During her tenure at MAZON, Ms. Leibman has led the growth and impact of its work, which addresses the persistent challenges facing those who struggle with hunger, with a particular focus on populations whose unique concerns are often overlooked or under-addressed by other advocates and policymakers. These include: pioneering work on behalf of currently serving military families, single mothers, veterans, Tribal Nations, college students, Puerto Rico and the Territories, LGBTQ seniors, and trans youth.
With a career spanning over three decades in legal advocacy, nonprofit leadership, and civic engagement, Ms. Leibman brings an unparalleled depth of knowledge and experience to discussions on critical societal challenges.
Ms. Leibman has served as a transformative leader in some of California’s most prominent nonprofit organizations. Before joining MAZON in 2011, she operated a consulting practice assisting social justice organizations, businesses, and public institutions with leadership development, diversity management, and strategies to combat discrimination. Her extensive portfolio of clients includes Jewish World Watch, Food Forward, UCLA Hillel, Valley Beth Shalom Synagogue, and the Jewish Federation Council of Greater Los Angeles.
A recognized champion for gender equity, Ms. Leibman co-founded and led the California Women’s Law Center for 12 years, advocating for policies that protect and empower women. Her previous roles include Directing Attorney for Public Counsel, where she developed pioneering legal programs supporting childcare access and nonprofit organizations. She has served on key oversight bodies, including the Equity Oversight Panel for the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department and the Los Angeles County Citizens’ Oversight Advisory Board for Measure H, which funded critical services for individuals experiencing homelessness.
Beyond her executive leadership, Ms. Leibman has shaped civic engagement through service on numerous boards and commissions, including the California Children’s Council, Jewish Family Service of Los Angeles, Progressive Jewish Alliance (now Bend the Arc), and the California Judicial Council’s Court and Community Outreach Task Force. She has also provided academic leadership as an adjunct faculty member at UCLA and the Graduate School of Management at American Jewish University.
Ms. Leibman’s work has earned her numerous prestigious accolades, including the Hastings College of Law Alumnae of the Year Award, the California Women Lawyers Faye Stender Award, and the UC San Diego Top 100 Influential Alumni Award, among others.