Manhattan Beach Education Leader Honored as South Bay 'Woman of the Year'

From a press release from Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi:

Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi (D-Torrance) selected Leanne Huebner, an executive board member for the Manhattan Beach Education Foundation, as the South Bay’s 2014 Woman of the Year. 

Huebner was honored on the Assembly Floor at the Capitol as part of the California Legislative Women’s Caucus’ “Women of the Year” event today celebrating Women’s History Month. 

Huebner earned her M.B.A. from Harvard Business School and a B.S. Economics from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. In her early 20s, Leanne was volunteering with Harlem foster kids every few Saturdays in New York while starting a career on Wall Street. During that time, a 6-year old asked Huebner to adopt her, moving her to seek out better life opportunities for all children. 

In addition to serving as Vice President of Communications for the Manhattan Beach Education Foundation, Huebner is also a Co-Founder of Minds Matter, a nationwide mentoring non-profit organization that has assisted over 1,000 low income youth transform their life outcomes through greater educational opportunities. Minds Matter of Los Angeles, the non-profit’s local chapter where Huebner is the founding board vice president, was named Non-Profit of the Year by Los Angeles Business Journal in 2010. 

As VP of communications at the Manhattan Beach Education Foundation, Huebner is the voice behind the organization that raises more than $5 million a year to support public education. She also chairs the Legislative Advocacy group for the Manhattan Beach Council of PTAs, advocating for public education in Sacramento. And when she’s not advocating for public education, Leanne is extensively involved in helping special needs children.

Assemblymember Muratsuchi praised Huebner for her tireless advocacy on behalf of public education and her passion for supporting disadvantaged youth. 

“Leanne’s dedication to improving the lives of young people is truly remarkable and represents the very best of the South Bay community,” the Assemblymember continued. “I am thankful for this opportunity to recognize her many contributions and to highlight her career as an inspiring female role model.” 

Since 1987, State Senators and Assemblymembers each honor one woman in their respective districts for their accomplishments when the Women’s Caucus hosts the “Women of the Year” ceremony. 

Huebner was previously chosen as a 2013 Assembly District 66 Woman of Distinction, which celebrates women nominated for their significant contributions in the South Bay at an event organized by Assemblymember Muratsuchi.