Born out of an enduring friendship and a shared passion for philanthropy, The Cause Connection was founded by a trio of changemakers: Susan, Kassey, and Jana, each a professional in the fashion industry, decided to stitch together their expertise for an even greater good.
Our tapestry is rich, woven from nearly a decade of collective experience supporting a global nonprofit. What started as an enthusiastic group of volunteers quickly blossomed into a family of friends committed to making a difference. And today, we extend this family to every brand, organization, volunteer, and individual who shares our vision of giving back.
Fundraising, often the heartbeat of charitable endeavors, pulses within our mission. We rise to the challenge by crafting captivating events and providing grants to fuel the efforts of our cherished charity partners.
Join us on this journey as we empower charities, celebrate generosity, connecting those who care with those who need it most, and together, create a stronger, more compassionate community.
About Us
Event Producers
Grant Makers
Cause Connectors
Meet The Team
Founder and President
Susan Leibsohn
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A New York native and graduate of FIT, Susan’s entrepreneurial spirit was ignited early on. By the age of 24, she built a $6 million clothing company, designing and manufacturing junior dresses. Soon after, opportunity and ambition brought Susan west to California where she laid her roots.
Caretaker at heart and driven by helping others, giving back is a common thread in the fabric of Susan’s life. Beginning her journey in the nonprofit world as a volunteer at Dress For Success, she pioneered an annual shopping event in Los Angeles where she served as Event Chair for 9 years, raising over $1.3 million.
In 2020, quarantined in the midst of a global pandemic, Susan helped bring together a virtual event with Present Now, a nonprofit supporting children in domestic violence shelters. “I really want to make a difference, no matter how big or small. Since the pandemic, I’ve come to understand how many people just need a hand up! It doesn’t take much, just a heart.”
From this humanitarian mindset and the determination to support multiple charities, The Cause Connection was born. Susan’s hope is to give back in a fun, new, exciting way by bringing support and awareness to multiple charities.
Jana Arbaszewski
Co-Founder and Board Member
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With an extensive career spanning over two decades, Jana has been a passionate contributor to the dynamic world of the fashion industry. A graduate of the University of Connecticut, Jana honed her expertise across a diverse range of roles including event production, sales, styling, and merchandising. Her journey took a turn westward to Los Angeles, a city that further shaped her visionary approach to fashion and philanthropy. Jana's dedication to enriching lives led her to the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, where she expanded her horizons in health and wellness. Melding her extensive network in these industries, she co-founded The Cause Connection— a testament to her belief in the power of uniting style and purpose with social impact.
"There is no better feeling in the world than knowing I've made a positive impact on someone's life," — Not merely a mantra, but a testament to the daily mission that motivates Jana's actions both professionally and personally.
Kassey Rich
Co-Founder and Board Member
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Born and raised in Iowa, Kassey has lived in Los Angeles for the last ten years. She is looking forward to combining her love for community with her drive for giving back to usher ideas into fruition at The Cause Connection. With her background in PR, retail, events, and styling, Kassey is excited to build an organization where the main goal is to make connections and cause change.
In addition to TCC, Kassey is a wardrobe stylist and costume designer. In her free time, you can find her thrifting and curating her secondhand shop, talking about sustainable hacks to single-use items, and taking road trips.
Advisory Board Members
Emilie Bartels
Admissions Coordinator at the International School of Los Angeles - LILA
Cachita Maki
CEO of Fashion Week Haus & Style on the Spot
David Miller-Robinson
Creative Consultant
Jasmin Perez
Executive Director,
Global Social Media
Amalia Goldvaser
General Counsel | Content Partners LLC
Sarah Muller
Manager of US Sales and Corporate Communications
Laurie Seidman
SVP, CBS Current/Daytime Programs
Cathy Deluca
Owner Delucabooks Inc.
Ellen Kramer
Attorney and Nonprofit Leadership | Executive Director at Young & Healthy