Leslie Gilbert-Lurie

Leslie Gilbert-Lurie, with a career spanning over thirty years, is a prominent figure in human rights, social justice, education equity, child advocacy, and communications. She is a versatile professional, working as a lawyer, acclaimed author, philanthropist, former television executive, and a dedicated community leader. Leslie is renowned for her Holocaust memoir, 'Bending Toward the Sun,' shedding light on the profound impact of trauma across generations.

Throughout her illustrious career, Leslie has held key roles in various organizations. She is a member of the International Board of Directors of Human Rights Watch, where she chairs the Nominating and Governance Committee. A strong advocate for children's rights, she is a Founding Board Member and former Board Chair of the Alliance for Children's Rights, playing a pivotal role in shaping legal advocacy for vulnerable youth. Moreover, her involvement as Vice-Chair of the Los Angeles Blue Ribbon Commission on Child Welfare has significantly influenced policy reforms in child welfare in Los Angeles County.

Leslie's commitment to education improvement is evident through her board memberships, including the UCLA Foundation, Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, and UCLA School of Law. Serving as the Student Regent on the Board of Regents of the University of California, Leslie has left a lasting impact on educational governance. Additionally, her decade-long tenure on the Los Angeles County Board of Education, where she served as President for three terms, highlights her dedication to nurturing the education system.

In the realm of media and entertainment, Leslie has made significant contributions as a former television executive at NBC, overseeing NBC Productions and the comedy division. She co-authored episodes for popular shows like Alf and Saved by the Bell. Her legal acumen was honed at the prestigious law firm of Manatt, Phelps, Rothenberg and Tunney, where she also served as a Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals Law Clerk under Judge Harry Pregerson.

Leslie's memoir 'Bending Toward the Sun,' published by Harper Collins, not only delves into her family's experience during the Holocaust but also emphasizes the lasting effects of trauma on future generations. She is an accomplished public speaker, addressing audiences globally on the profound themes explored in her book.

With a strong educational background from the University of California, Los Angeles, Leslie holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science & Communication Studies and a Doctor of Law degree. Her influence extends to a wide array of prestigious organizations, showcasing her multi-faceted expertise in legal, educational, advocacy, and human rights domains.