About Us
Born out of friendship and a shared passion for philanthropy, The Cause Connection was founded by a trio of changemakers and fashion industry insiders, united by a desire to channel their expertise into meaningful impact.
With over a decade of experience supporting global nonprofits, what began as a small group of enthusiastic volunteers has grown into a platform that brings together communities, brands, charitable organizations and those who share our vision of giving back.
We work with fashion, lifestyle and beauty brands to transform excess into opportunity - hosting thoughtfully curated fundraising events and providing grants to nonprofit partners working across three primary areas of focus - women and girls, health and food security.
At our core, we believe giving should feel both impactful and engaging. By reimagining how fundraising can look and feel, we create experiences that connect people, inspire generosity and support stronger, more resilient communities.
Event Producers
Grant Makers
Cause Connectors
Meet The Team
Susan Leibsohn
Founder and President
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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.
Ellen Kramer
Executive Director
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Ellen Kramer has dedicated over four decades to working with and for nonprofits committed to the well-being of women, children, and families. As a nonprofit leader focused on social justice, access to healthcare, and systems change, she also has extensive experience as a grant maker and fundraiser, offering a unique perspective on equitable, community-centered philanthropy.
Ellen’s legal career spans both the private and public sectors, with a particular emphasis on juvenile justice and family law. Before relocating to Los Angeles in 2018, Ellen served as the Deputy Director for Program Services and Legal Director at the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence. In this role, she oversaw initiatives aimed at improving responses to domestic violence victims and their children through advocacy, media outreach, and legal representation.
She holds a BA in English Literature, Phi Beta Kappa, from Middlebury College, and a JD from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. A native of Pennsylvania, Ellen and her husband are in the process of relocating to Central Pennsylvania in 2026.
Rachel Littlejohn
Development Director
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London born and now LA-based, Rachel has spent over 15 years building and growing fashion brands on both sides of the Atlantic. From established labels to emerging designers; her career has been shaped by a love of craft, creativity and long-term partnership building.
Alongside her work in fashion, Rachel is deeply committed to youth advocacy and community outreach. She volunteers with Girls Inc. LA and at her local food bank and believes strongly in our shared ability to create a more hopeful, equitable future. She is excited to bring together her fashion background and altruistic values through her work with The Cause Connection.
Kristine Ysabelle Mosteiro
Administrative Assistant
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Born and raised in the Philippines, Kristine has lived in Los Angeles for eight years. She has a variety of background with volunteering for children with special needs, early childhood centers, and private pre-school. She holds a BA in Child Development from Cal State Northridge.
With her experience in working for a non-profit, outreach in underserved communities, and administrative duties, Kristine is delighted to be a part of an organization that gives back to those in need.In addition to TCC, Kristine facilitates groups and events for Filipino American families with specialized needs. She enjoys traveling, photography, and any type of creative pursuits.
Executive Board Members
Emilie Bartels
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Alle Fister is the founder and principal of Bollare, a global communications agency built on strategic storytelling, media influence, and brand partnerships. She began her career as an early team member at Shopbop, helping scale the online retailer before it was acquired by Amazon.
Drawing on that entrepreneurial foundation, she launched Bollare with Shopbop as her first client and has since led the agency’s growth and work with leading lifestyle brands. Fister is known for her creative leadership, nimble approach to communications strategy, and commitment to building high-impact, collaborative results and teams.
Fister splits her time between Aspen, Hawaii and Los Angeles with her husband, Don, and her three kids: Duke, Dylan and Devon!
Alle Fister
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Laurie Seidman is a veteran producer and entertainment executive, Laurie serves as Head of Film & Television for Curiosity Entertainment and Storyteller Media. Throughout her career, she has brought stories to life across film, television and digital media while building an exceptional network of creative talent, industry leaders and strategic partners.
When The Cause Connection first launched, Laurie was among its earliest supporters, first serving on the Advisory Board before joining the Executive Board. Her belief in our mission has played an integral role in helping shape the organization ever since.
We're all incredibly grateful for Laurie's leadership, generosity and unwavering belief in the power of community to create lasting change!
Laurie Seidman
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Erin Prober has spent two decades in the sport and entertainment business facilitating sponsorships and driving revenue for professional sport franchises, top tier venues, college, and prominent media properties at Oak View Group, Turner Sports, LA Clippers, and many others. She recently joined Arena as President where she will launch a new sports digital platform Q4 2026.
Erin is excited to bring her relationships, creativity and passion for making a difference to make an impact with The Cause Connection beyond many years volunteering and shopping at Shop for Success events.
Erin resides in Los Angeles with her dog, Jett, and loves to travel, eat, ski, play tennis, and find new adventures.
Erin Prober
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Karen Lo is an operations and finance executive with extensive experience across advertising, digital production, and technology. She partners with both startup and established organizations to drive growth, implement scalable business practices, and build high-performing teams aligned around quality, collaboration, creativity and shared values.
With a background spanning finance, accounting, business planning, and talent strategy, Karen brings a holistic approach to operational leadership. Areas of focus include building strong operational foundations, navigating complex business challenges, and creating environments that attract and retain top talent while enabling sustainable, long-term success.
Karen is currently a fractional CFO for several global advertising agencies and services offices in London, Los Angeles, New York and Tokyo.
Karen Lo
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Born and raised in Los Angeles, Sarah was taught about the power of giving back from a very young age, and she has been engaged in social action and philanthropy since high school. Equipped with a degree in Interior Design, her natural creativity and attention to detail have enabled her to thrive for 25 years in the hospitality industry, including nearly a decade as Senior Events Manager at one of L.A.’s most beloved boutique hotels.
Serving on the board of Friends & Helpers Foundation, Sarah participated in the planning and execution of large-scale annual events to distribute backpacks stuffed with school supplies to K-12 students, match underprivileged families with anonymous supporters who fulfilled their holiday wish lists, and provide clothing, cosmetics, and social support for women recovering from abusive relationships.
When her parents first became involved with Dress For Success, Sarah stepped up in support of their annual fundraising efforts by connecting with potential donors and vendors, providing logistical guidance, and giving freely of her time to help ensure that every detail was accounted for. Sarah proudly carries the family torch by contributing the benefit of her wisdom and experience to The Cause Connection’s core mission of paying it forward.
Sarah Lucas
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Born and raised in Los Angeles, Stuart learned about the power of philanthropy through the example set by his parents, whose generosity and humility knew no bounds. The importance of selflessness and giving back to the community were instilled deeply in Stuart throughout childhood, lessons that he strives to foster and encourage in his own children and grandchildren.
After completing his MBA at UC Berkeley, Stuart entered the family business, a regional chain of women’s clothing stores. Before long, however, Stuart found his calling in the field of real estate, where he has spent more than 40 years building his reputation on twin pillars of professionalism and integrity.
Since co-founding The Cause Connection with his wife, Susan, you might find Stuart stocking the shelves at a pop-up shop, bringing pizza to a team of volunteers, or mingling with supporters during a fundraising event, always with a warm smile and a kind word. Behind the scenes, Stuart’s business expertise and can-do mindset are indispensable to the daily operations of The Cause Connection.
Stuart Leibsohn
Advisory Board Members
Cathy Deluca
Amalia Goldvaser