Celebrating Fifty Years Leading the Fight for Children’s Rights Special recognition of
Marsha Levick
Co-Founder and Chief Legal Officer
1975 - 2025
Fifty Years! Who’d a thunk it? Some days it seems like it was only yesterday, some days I feel the decades behind me. I can still remember the planning meetings around Judy Chomsky’s kitchen table — to be clear, Judy was the only one among us who actually had a kitchen table, not to mention other actual pieces of furniture — as we four soon-to-be graduates of Temple Law School hatched an idea to start a non-profit law firm for children. Bob Schwartz, Phil Margolis, Judy and I shared a desire to change the world, and the utterly naïve belief that we could actually do it. We were consumed by our idealism and by the power of law to spark social change and create social justice. The 1970s were heady times. Bookended by the civil rights activism of the 1960s and the election of Ronald Reagan in 1980, buffeted by the assassinations of beloved political figures and the carnage of the Vietnam war, the ‘70’s turned sometimes violent political rhetoric into a call for action among young people across America — “don’t trust anyone over 30” — who rejected the slow walk toward progress of the prior generation in favor of a demand for change NOW. Of course, all that political unrest was joined by social unrest, as the 70s also spawned the era of drugs, sex and rock-n-roll. Good times for sure. In law school we watched the Watergate hearings and the nightly Vietnam body count on television. We marched, we sang, we protested, we objected, we rebelled, we questioned. But we clung to our belief in the power of law, the importance of speaking truth to power, and the use of law as a weapon against oppression, inequality, and injustice. From all of this, Juvenile Law Center was born. At one of our very first pitches for funding from a local governmental agency, which included judges from Philadelphia Family Court — in our first year out of law school — we boldly spoke of our agenda to totally reform the juvenile justice system. We didn’t get the funding. We did learn to read the room better, but we held steadfast to our vision. That was then; this is now. Today, as we enter our 50th year, our vision remains radical and transformative. We still believe in the power of law to reduce harm and promote equity. But like prior generations reflecting from their rocking chairs on a porch somewhere, ouridealism is informed by realism, our progress is slowed by society’s speed bumps, and our frustrations are less quick-tempered and more baked-in. We have won, we have lost, we have won, we have lost. We will win again. We have learned the lessons of the past, but we still dream the dreams of our youth. This is our promise to you, our friends, colleagues and supporters, and to the young people with whom we stand. Marsha Levick Chief Legal Officer
Thank You from our CEO About a month after I started at Juvenile Law Center, we celebrated our 30th anniversary. It was in this very room that we came together with our friends and colleagues and honored the amazing accomplishments of the last year – including the seminal United States Supreme Court victory abolishing the juvenile death penalty for children. Though much remains the same from that lovely evening – we gave mugs away then, too – so much has changed. Our current political landscape threatens the transformative legal victories rooted in science that we saw in the early 2000s. Families are routinely policed and separated according to an ideological definition of child abuse that is weaponized against poor families and families that believe their children should be who they are and love who they love. We have also lost the guidance and mentorship of too many of the very pioneers who built this field. So, it is upon us to continue this fight. As we reflect on Juvenile Law Center’s fifty years, I take many of those lessons learned into our fight in the future – one where we shape what abolitionist youth justice can look like in collaboration with individuals more proximate to systems we work to transform. The future I hope to build is one of community and with community. And by being here tonight, you are in our community. So, join me tonight as we celebrate the work of these last fifty years and the legacy that those young law school graduates may not have dreamed of back in 1975. We will also honor my friend and mentor, Marsha Levick, as she prepares to write her next chapter. Thank you so much for being here – for honoring our work, and for joining our fight. Riya Saha Shah Chief Executive Officer
For 50 years, we have worked toward a world in which all kids can thrive. Help us continue the fight! Scan this QR code to view our 50th Anniversary Case for Support.
th Anniversary Gala Celebrating Fifty Years Leading the Fight for Children’s Rights May 2, 2025 The Grand Belle at The Bellevue Hotel
Welcome Daniel Okonkwo Co-Chair 50th Anniversary Committee, Juvenile Law Center Board of Directors
Ann Rosewater Co-Chair 50th Anniversary Committee, Honorary Committee Member, Past Chair of Juvenile Law Center Board of Directors
Farewell to our Bob Juvenile Law Center Celebrates Fifty Years Special Remarks Tami Benton
Chair, Juvenile Law Center Board of Directors
Riya Saha Shah
Chief Executive Officer, Juvenile Law Center
Juvenile Law Center Through the Decades Judith Chomsky, Co-Founder (1975 - 1979) Susan Vivian Mangold, Attorney (1987-1992); Chief Executive Officer (2015 - 2024) Laval Miller-Wilson, Attorney (1995 - 2008) Emily Keller, Zubrow Fellow and Attorney (2009-2016) Katherine Burdick, Zubrow Fellow (2010-2012); Attorney (2013-present) Bree Hood, Youth Advocate (2016-2024); Stoneleigh Youth Advocacy Fellow (2024-present) Nadia Mozaffar, Attorney (2017-present)
Special Recognition of Marsha Levick Jessica Feierman Sr. Managing Director, Juvenile Law Center Bradley Bridge, Defender Association of Philadelphia Laurie Garduque, MacArthur Foundation (ret.) Ursula Kilkelly, University College Cork School of Law Jyoti Nanda, Southwestern Law School Jamie Silvonek, Client
Marsha Levick Chief Legal Officer, Juvenile Law Center
Please stay for dancing and dessert!
Many Thanks to Our Sponsors (as of this printing)
Legacy Rosewater Fund
Sustainer Susan Vivian Mangold & Daniel Mangold, MD Elizabeth & Robert Scott Barry & Jan Zubrow
Leader Bradley Bridge & Dveera Segal Chimicles Schwartz Kriner & Donaldson-Smith Hon. Andre M. Davis(ret.) & Jessica Strauss Carl (Tobey) Oxholm III & Kimberly Oxholm Ann Rosewater & Robert Kronley Riya Saha Shah & Veeral Shah The Tow Foundation Lois Whitman
Champion Elizabeth W. Adams The Annie E. Casey Foundation Tami D. Benton, MD Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of Youth Deborah & Zachary Klehr/Education Law Center-PA Hangley Aronchick Segal Pudlin & Schiller Holland & Knight Susan & Richard Holt
Champion (continued)
Eric Koenig & Amy Schwartz Charisse R. Lillie & Thomas L. McGill, Jr. Dan & Sheila Segal Southern Poverty Law Center Temple University Beasley School of Law
Advocate Akin Jim and Carol Anderson Ballard Spahr Harris T. Bock Mort and Wendy Branzburg BJ Casey DLA Piper Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church Feldman Shepherd Wohlgelernter Tanner Weinstock & Dodig Independence Foundation John & Ann Kearney Leonard & Susan Klehr Marsha Levick & Tom Innes Judge Gerald McHugh & Maureen Tate National Center for Youth Law Katy Otto & Chris Dascher ROS Professional Partners Sarah Sauvayre Tucker Law Group Willig Williams & Davidson
Supporters (as of this printing)
Leslie Acoca Soledad Adrianzén McGrath Jose & Marsha Alamo Anne Marie Ambrose Catherine & John Barrett Robert & Susan Bartow Dana Bazelon Richard & Eileen Bazelon Joni Berner Shay Bilchik Eve Biskind Klothen & Kenneth Klothen Molly Boschan Olga Briker Rhonda Brownstein Megan Bruce Jennifer Bullock Lisa Campbell Peter Capolino & Frances Deitrich Alexis Caris & John Rosenberg Mia Carpiniello & Paul Costa Frank Cervone Emily Cheramie-Walz Nina Chernoff Neel & Puja Chokshi Thom & Susan Christian Hon. Kim Clark Roger Clark & Amy Boss Sarah Clark Laura Cohen Currey Cook Hon. Michael Corriero & Mary Ellen Raftery Joel & Bonnie Cossrow Keith Cossrow & Joanne Guthrie Lynn Costello Sacha Coupet Kathleen Creamer Joanna Darcus Susan DeJarnatt AnneMarie Devlin Autumn Dickman & Kris Diefenderfer Paul DiLorenzo & Jean Biesecker Hon. Alice Dubow Anna Durbin & Peter Goldberger Michael Durst Kim Dvorchak Holly Hodder Eger & Edmond Eger Shaena Fazal Jessica Feierman & Justin Mixon Steven Feierman & Sandra Barnes Shannon Felder Lauren Fine Marni Gangel Laurie Garduque
Rachel Gassert The Gault Center Helen Gerhold Nancy Gertner Nancy Ginsburg Naomi Goldstein Karen & Marvin Gomer Bennet & Marcy Grau Allison Green Arthur Grim Philip & Ellen Harris Harriet Hendel Kristin Henning Bettina Hoerlin Paul Holland Andy Hoover Marcia Hopkins Mary & Howard Hurtig Constance & Brian Iannetta Marcus Iannozzi Anthony Innes & Laura Lingenfelter Gabriel Innes Julia Jacovides Barry Kassel Kauthar & Brian Kebel Emily Keller Katherine Kennedy & Matthew Diller Ursula Kilkelly Catherine Krebs Irene Kreimer Miriam Laver Doris Leisch Helen Levin Justin Levy Ton Liefaard Chris Lin Karen & Brad Lindell Charles Loeffler Adrianne Lord Sorenson Louisiana Center for Children’s Rights Kim Godfrey Lovett Cara Luther Dick & Margaret Lynch Fred & Phyllis Magaziner Tamar & Sam Magdovitz Shobha Mahadev Scott Main Aaron Marcus Frederica Massiah-Jackson Bernard McBride & Chellise Dunham-McBride Michael McClary Joy & Michael McGowan Jane McGregor
Maura McInerney Rosie McNamara-Jones & Kitch Jones Suzanne Meiners-Levy & Jonathan Levy Laval & Cathryn Miller-Wilson Wallace Mlyniec Thomas & Christine Monteleone Kacey Mordecai Hillary Moser John & Eleanor Myers Jyoti Nanda Rona Navera Ashley Nellis Tasha Odom R. Daniel Okonkwo O’Neill School of Public & Environmental Affairs/ Indiana University Lida Orzeck Jason Osborn Karen Otto Kelly Parks Margaret Pendzich Bennett Picker & Terry Rogal Malik Pickett & Rosanne Breakenridge-Pickett Jenny Pokempner Jeffrey Pokorak Amanda Powell Patricia Puritz Harriet & Bruce Rabb Heather Renwick Robin Resnick David Richman & Janet Perry Len Rieser & Fernando Chang-Muy Marcy Rogovin Cindy Rosenthal Cindy Roulier Joshua Rovner David Rudovsky Michael & Tracy Ruger Louis & Carolyn Rulli Kyron Ryals Liz Ryan Kuhu Saha Manju Saha Paula Saha & Lucas Waltzer Reetu Saha Sandy Santana Mary Ann Scali Terry Schuster Laraine Schwartz Conrad Seifert Anjali & Rahul Shah Colleen Shanahan Dan Sherry
Dana Shoenberg Ellen Sholevar David Silvonek Sandra Simkins & Steven Alt Lisa Slovak Abbe Smith Mark Soler & Andrea Weisman Jessica Sones Schenck Vincent Southerland Kea Stewart Janet & Seymour Stotland Elizabeth Sturley Carl & Sabina Tannenbaum Whiquitta Tobar Suzanne Tomkins & John Study Carol Tracy Janice Trope Endter Nicholas Turner Satyen & Anishee Undavia Bianca van Heydoorn Lisa Varon & Harsha Maganti Veritext Legal Solutions Angela Vigil Joann Viola Joanna Visser Adjoian & Aren Adjoian Natalece Washington Melanie & Jimmy Lee Werley Elizabeth Werthan & Robert Brand Rashida West Jessica Wilde Flora Barth Wolf & Laslo Boyd Donna & Evan Wuhl Su Ming Yeh Hon. Mary Yu
50th Anniversary Commemorative Mugs
As a thank you for your support of Juvenile Law Center, we invite you to take home a reminder of Juvenile Law Center’s commitment to fight for young people. The mugs affirm our mission to advocate for the rights, dignity, equity, and opportunity for youth. Please pick yours up on your way out this evening.
Before you leave!
Please wish Marsha well by filling out a card on the table by the elevators.
Honorary Committee Our esteemed committee is comprised of lifelong friends of Juvenile Law Center and individuals whose work in a variety of disciplines speaks to the issues we fight for – through storytelling, building the field, or training the next generation of children’s rights leaders; advocates with direct experience in our carceral state systems; partners in the fight for children’s rights; champions of youth justice reforms; and prior Board presidents.
Rick Berkman & Toni Seidl Bobby Bostic Jessamine Chan Hon. Michael Corriero James Forman, Jr. Kristin Henning Eric Koenig Stephen Labaton Charisse Lillie* Greg Mandel Xavier McElrath-Bey Carl (Tobey) Oxholm III and Kimberly Oxholm Rachel Rebouché Robert Reinstein & Tay Aspinwall Ann Rosewater** & Robert Kronley Representative Mary Gay Scanlon Laraine Schwartz Bryan Stevenson Barry Zubrow *Member of 50th Anniversary Committee ** Co-Chair of 50th Anniversary Committee
Founders Legacy Fund Recognizing Bob Schwartz & Marsha Levick Marsha and Bob not only changed the field of children’s rights through a lifetime of work on behalf of youth but also committed themselves to building the field through leadership and mentorship – establishing Juvenile Law Center as one of the most influential advocacy organizations for children in the country and inspiring thousands of children’s rights advocates working nationwide today. Anonymous Kenneth Bailey & Lisa Colautti Stephanie & David Bergman Richard Berkman & Toni Seidl Eric Blank Ronnie Bloom & Richard Summers Bobbe & Jonathan Bridge Scott Burris Emily Buss & Michael Doss Carolyn Cavicchio Edward & Sheila Chacker Hon. Kim Clark Michael Dale & Nancy Knutson Gary & Krista Darcus Stuart Diamond Mary Cushing Doherty Amanda Donnelly Lawrence & Kimmie Duke Charles & Janice Durante Anna Durbin & Peter Goldberger Stephen Eisdorfer David Espo Sari Feldman Hal & Susan Fichandler Janet Fink Cara Frank Jeff Frankl Bruce & Barbara Franzel Amy Gallagher Gardiner Howland Shaw Foundation Laurie Garduque Theresa Glennon & Jeffrey Dunoff Richard Gold Kathy Gosliner Erik Grimmelmann & Louise Gikow Stephen Harper & Odalys Acosta Joshu Harris Carrie Hennen James Hoelscher Paul Holland Marc & Bonnie Inver Douglas Johnson Laurie Katz Robert & Frances Kaufmann Brendan Kearney & Hannah Richman John & Ann Kearney Richard & Doris Kessler Barry & Anne Kleban Roger Lane & Marjorie Merklin Sharon Langer
Nancy Lederman Michael & Marie Pavlides Edward & Nancy Leeds Roy Pulvers & Deborah Mandell Jeffrey & Deanna Linn Harriet & Bruce Rabb Kim Godfrey Lovett Len Rieser & Fernando Chang-Muy Jennifer Lowman Brooke Rosen Ralph Luongo & Robin Maddox Rosewater Fund Gerald McHugh & Maureen Tate Ann Rosewater & Robert Kronley Mark & Jane Mendlow Daniel & Faye Ross Sally Millar Mark & Sharon Ruchman Martha Minow Ellen Schall & Steve Kelban Henry Mosberg Michael Schaller David Newmann & Laura Ward Jodi Schatz & Dean Jerrehian Lida Orzeck Robin Schkrutz Carl & Kimberly Oxholm Ann Shalleck Michael & Marie Pavlides Paul Shechtman & Bonnie Yochelson Roy Pulvers & Deborah Mandell Stephen & Sandra Sheller Harriet & Bruce Rabb Dan Sherry Len Rieser & Fernando Chang-Muy Dana Shoenberg Brooke Rosen Richard Simon Rosewater Fund Elissa Sklaroff Ann Rosewater & Robert Kronley Sara Sklaroff Daniel & Faye Ross Janet & Seymour Stotland Mark & Sharon Ruchman Jason Szanyi Ellen Schall & Steve Kelban Carl & Sabina Tannenbaum Michael Schaller Seth Tannenbaum Jodi Schatz & Dean Jerrehian Janice Trope Endter Paul Holland Judy Turetsky Marc & Bonnie Inver Lisa Varon & Harsha Maganti Douglas Johnson Joann Viola Laurie Katz Geraldine Wang Robert & Frances Kaufmann Elizabeth Warner Brendan Kearney & Hannah Richman James Weisman & Felicity Tuttle John & Ann Kearney Joan Wells Richard & Doris Kessler Stephen & Elaine White Barry & Anne Kleban Lois Whitman Roger Lane & Marjorie Merklin Robert Yablon & Marlene Kline Sharon Langer David Youngerman & Nancy Lederman Jeannie Rae Fransen Edward & Nancy Leeds Jeffrey & Deanna Linn Kim Godfrey Lovett Jennifer Lowman Ralph Luongo & Robin Maddox Gerald McHugh & Maureen Tate Mark & Jane Mendlow Sally Millar Martha Minow Henry Mosberg David Newmann & Laura Ward Lida Orzeck Carl & Kimberly Oxholm
Leadership Fund Honoring Susan Vivian Mangold’s leadership We established this fund to honor Susan Vivian Mangold as outgoing CEO while building a pool of new unrestricted funds to provide organizational flexibility during a leadership transition. Sue’s Harvard Class of 1982 contributed significantly, along with close friends, colleagues and family.
Elizabeth Adams & Clifford Lasser Susan Barton Young & Allen Barton Judy Berck Nancy & John Boulden Lucy Danziger John Duggan Holly Hodder Eger & Edmond Eger Katie & Reade Fahs Jim Fitzgerald Hilary Bacon Gabrieli James Gardner & Lise Gelernter Dana Gee John Gillies Betsey Gillis Don Gips Pat & Jim Gregory Anthony Hatch Louise Hom Aileen Horton Patrick & Michele Horvath Joyce Jacobsen Ellen Jakovic Cathy James & Bolivar Castillo Dan Kenary Shira & Randy Klaiman Lois Laughlin
Tory Laughlin Taylor & Andy Taylor Karen Leeds Evelyn Mangold & Arjun Nukal Mia Markello Patrick Marren Susan Martin Lisa Matthews Martha Mazzone Mary & Kevin McCleary Martha McCluskey & Carl Nightingale Paige Mecca Polly Reeve Sarah & Pascal Sauvayre Sara & Steve Schultz Roslyn Sciascia Dawn Skopinski Jan & Jeffrey Smith Martha & Mark Tecca Sharon Townsend Cheri Tubinis Lynne Vallone Suzanne Vine & Peter Drucker Andy & Karen Wise Donna & Evan Wuhl
Jonathan W. Cuneo Children’s Rights Litigation Fund In honor of Jon’s memory Jon served on Juvenile Law Center’s Board of Directors from 2007- 2015. In honor of Jon’s belief in litigation and policy advocacy to drive systemic reform and with the support of his beloved wife Mara Liasson and his law firm partners, friends, and fellow board members of Juvenile Law Center, the Jonathan W. Cuneo Children’s Rights Litigation Fund supports litigation and policy efforts of Juvenile Law Center in its continuing fight for reform and transformation of the child welfare and justice systems in the United States. Ralph Becker Berger Montague Kathleen & Nicholas Chimicles Chimicles Schwartz Kriner & Donaldson-Smith Cohen Milstein Sellers & Toll Jeff Connaughton Eric Cramer Cuneo Gilbert & LaDuca Joel Davidow & Gwenn Rosenthal Elizabeth & Paul Friedman Geoffrey Garin Stanley Grossman Bev & Brooks Jackson Edgar James Robert Kaplan Stephen Labaton & Miriam Sapiro
Law Offices of Cotchett, Pitre & McCarthy, LLP William & Michelle Lerach Robert Liberatore & Debra Kraft Mark Mester John Mintz & Emily Yoffe Amanda Moretti Sharon Oxborough James Rowe John Russonello & Nancy Jane Belden George & Claudia Sampson Linda Singer & Joe Sternlieb Virginia Sloan Thomas Susman & Susan Braden Joseph Tabacco & Peggy Schmidt Steven J. Toll
50th Anniversary Interactive Timeline Over the last 50 years, Juvenile Law Center has lead the way in the fight for children’s rights. Scan this QR code to view our interactive 50th Anniversary timeline, a curated collection of moments across the last 50 years that highlight our impact on children’s rights.
SCAN HERE
Established in 2015 with Bob Schwartz as the inaugural recipient, Juvenile Law Center’s annual Leadership Prize is awarded to outstanding advocates working to advance the rights and well-being of youth in the child welfare and justice systems. Recipients are leading lights in the field whose inspirational careers serve as beacons for the next generation of advocates.
2015 Bob Schwartz 2017 MaryLee Allen Gladys Carrion Lois Whitman 2018 Francis “Frankie” V. Guzman Judge Steven C. Teske Teen Vogue 2019 Elizabeth Calvin Nicole Pittman Jennifer Rodriguez 2020 Stephen K. Harper Sherry Lachman Shannan Wilber
2021 Sixto E. Cancel Kristin N. Henning The Kansas City Star 2022 Cyntoia Brown Long Dorothy E. Roberts Tom Grisso 2023 Xavier McElrath-Bey Amanda Alexander Peter Leone 2024 Laurence Steinberg & Elizabeth Scott Angel Rodriguez Bryan Stevenson
Farewell to Our Bob Marsha Levick published on October 9, 2024 It is with the deepest sadness and heaviest of hearts that share that Bob Schwartz passed on October 8, 2024. Our loss is immeasurable, our world is diminished. Bob was our much-loved co-founder — but so much more. Bob was a gentle, kind giant among us, who was brilliant, funny, and infinitely curious. He was both a thought partner and a thought leader, who transformed the field of youth rights through innovative advocacy, strategic partnerships, scholarship and public discourse. He was an unparalleled punster, a rabid Phillies fan, world traveler and annual contributor to the financial bottom line for Diet Coke. He was a most generous friend, mentor, teacher and advisor to us all. At whatever stage of life we were, Bob opened new doors for us. He touched the hearts of so many, here and around the world. And while he lived his life sparely, his riches were abundant — his golden spirit shone for everyone he met. Although Bob had been sick for several months, and even as his days became harder, we still feel unprepared to meet the world without him. When we spoke finally and with candor about his illness, he told me he was at peace with his journey, and the approaching end. I told him I was not, that I was not ready for him to go. His response: this is easy for me, I’m just implementing part of a strategic plan. So Bob. There is no joy in Mudville tonight. But not because our hero has struck out, but because our hero has played his last game. The lights in the ballpark will flicker and dim, as they blink away the tears. So raise a glass of Diet Coke, grab a cheesesteak, and cheer on the Phillies. Bob will be doing the same. We mourn, but we remember. With grief and with love, May your final steps be easy. We will miss you, Bob.
The Heart of Our Work To address the deep harm and structural disparities of the juvenile legal, criminal legal, and family regulation systems, we work to limit the reach of and ultimately abolish these systems to direct resources instead to youth, families and communities. Because youth still face immediate harm in these systems, we also engage in harm-reduction efforts. To keep youth out of the family regulation and juvenile and criminal legal systems, we • challenge policing and surveillance of youth and families and the ongoing entanglement of youth within the family regulation and juvenile legal system. • fight the criminalization of youth, in particular Black, Brown, and LGBTQ+ youth, and disparate referrals to the family regulation system. • advocate for community access to restorative approaches and other programs and resources that do not require system involvement. • advocate for procedural protections, such as the right to counsel, to minimize youth contact with police and the legal system.
To keep youth out of the adult criminal legal system, we • engage in litigation and policy advocacy to ensure a meaningful right to parole for youth convicted in the adult system. • challenge laws that permit the transfer of youth to the adult system, particularly the disproportionate impact of transfer laws on Black and Brown youth. To keep youth in their homes and communities • engage in policy advocacy to prevent placement for youth. • use conditions of confinement litigation to advocate for facility closure or for the release of young people from facilities and to confront the inequities in our juvenile and criminal legal systems and family regulation system. • challenge lengthy youth and adult sentences to move young people more quickly from incarceration back home. To reduce the harm children experience in these systems, we • fight the imposition of fees, fines and other financial penalties. • challenge conditions of confinement for youth in placement. • advocate against extended surveillance of youth through retention and disclosure of juvenile and criminal records, sex offender registration and community notification requirements.
25 years of the Zubrow Fellowship In 2000, to honor the life and work of his parents, Sol and Helen Zubrow, Juvenile Law Center board member, Barry Zubrow gave a generous endowment to Juvenile Law Center to launch the first two-year, post-graduate children’s law fellowship in the country. Since 2001, when our first Zubrow Fellow was named, we have committed to building the field of child advocacy through this one-of-a-kind fellowship opportunity. The Zubrow Fellowship supports dedicated and talented individuals who go on to become leaders and change-makers.
Suzanne Meiners-Levy Nina Chernoff Vinny Herman Riya Saha Shah Neha Desai Sherry Lachman Emily Keller Katherine Burdick Monique Lin-Luse L.T. Tierney Lauren Fine
Jean Strout Catherine Feeley Kee Tobar Christina Sorenson Danielle Whiteman Josh Branch Emily Satifka Aryn Williams-Vann Monica Disare Jasmin Randolph-Taylor Hannah Stommel
Youth Advocacy Program Since 2008, Juvenile Law Center’s Youth Advocacy Program has prepared young people to lead advocacy and policy reform efforts in their local communities and beyond.
We believe in the power of youth voice. Young people are experts on their own lives, and their lived experiences should inform policies that affect them. This year, with the generous support of the Stoneleigh Foundation, we launched the Stoneleigh Youth Advocacy Fellowship, where young people are more deeply integrated into our project teams. Stoneleigh Youth Advocacy Fellows engage in advocacy with legal staff and receive training and professional development to support them in their work and long-term goals.
Juvenile Law Center would like to take a moment to recognize the many vendors who helped make this event possible. Thank you for your many contributions and support! Andrew Geller Allegra Philadelphia - Northeast Audio Gods Beautiful Blooms Events Blue Root Entertainment Cescaphe Contigo Photography Events by Morigi PDC Graphics
Rosewater Fund salutes Marsha Levick for her outstanding leadership in fighting for the rights and protection of youth. We applaud her vision, energy and dedication in relentlessly promoting the well-being of the nation’s most vulnerable children, youth and families.
We are the proud family of Marsha Levick & we celebrate her 50-year commitment to fighting for juvenile justice throughout the country.
Her work has challenged the laws and the understanding of the unique qualities of children & leaves a legacy of improvements in the field of juvenile jurisprudence.
Tom Innes Molly Boschan, Joe Dilworth & Harrison Dilworth Jamie Boschan Gabriel Innes, Lynn McGowan & Maya Innes Bonnie & Joel Cossrow & Family Karen & Marvin Gomer
Congratulations to Juvenile Law Center, a pioneering institution, and Marsha Levick, a visionary leader, for 50 years of extraordinary accomplishments in advancing the rights of children.
Ann Rosewater & Robert Kronley
We are delighted to celebrate Juvenile Law Center’s 50 years of leadership in youth justice and children’s rights advocacy. Our warmest wishes to our friend and colleague, Marsha Levick, who made it all happen.
Elizabeth and Robert Scott
Congratulations to Juvenile Law Center on 50 years of groundbreaking work and to Marsha Levick and Bob Schwartz, of blessed memory, as its founding leaders and visionaries. Rick Berkman & Toni Seidl
We congratulate Juvenile Law Center on half a century of remarkable work. The work is more vital today than ever. Congratulations to Marsha on a remarkable career. And to Bob, a man of vision and early mornings: we miss you every day. - Brad & Dveera
Congratulations JLC on Fifty Years of Leading the Fight for Children’s Rights!
We are so proud of our college roommate,
SUSAN VIVIAN MANGOLD, Esq.,
for her life’s work on behalf of child welfare and her commitment to the work of the Juvenile Law Center. Staff Attorney, JLC, 1987–1992 Professor of Law, SUNY Buffalo, 1992–2015 Chief Executive Officer, JLC, 2015–2024 With love and admiration, — Liz, Cathy, Tory & Dana
Congratulations to our dear friends Marsha Levick and Sue Mangold for all of their years of service, dedication and stewardship of JLC. You both personify Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s memorable maxims:
“Real change, enduring change, happens one step at a time” “Fight for the things that you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you” In loving memory of our close friend, colleague and mentor.
Bob Schwartz
Barry & Jan Zubrow
It was the privilege of a lifetime to serve as CEO of Juvenile Law Center and work alongside Marsha. She is a brilliant, visionary, effective advocate who lifts everyone around her to a higher level of excellence. It was a joy and honor to work with all the staff and board members of Juvenile Law Center. Thank you for your dedication and overall-awesomeness! Let’s celebrate!
Sue Vivian Mangold & Dan Mangold
VERITEXT LEGAL SOLUTIONS VERITEXT PROUDLY SUPPORTS JUVENILE LAW CENTER’S 50TH ANNIVERSARY GALA VERITEXT OFFERS SEAMLESS DEPOSITION COVERAGE, WITH MORE THAN 60 LOCATIONS NATIONWIDE!
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Dear Marsha, Congratulations ~ Thank you for your dedication and commitment to working for a world that works for everyone, for fighting to level the playing field and giving power and a voice to all. Much loving light to you, Bennett Grau
The Tow Foundation congratulates the Juvenile Law Center on 50 years of leadership to advance youth justice. The Center’s dedication to protecting the rights and futures of young people has created lasting impact and helped to transform countless young lives. We also celebrate the extraordinary leadership of Marsha Levick, Sue Mangold, and the late Bob Schwartz for their unwavering commitment to justice for youth.
Congratulations to the incomparable Marsha Levick for a lifetime of service in the pursuit of justice for youth. Wishing Juvenile Law Center another impactful 50 years of success. Hon. Andre M. Davis (ret.) & Jessica Strauss
Dear Riya, Congratulations on your appointment as CEO of Juvenile Law Center Your remarkable care, commitment, and advocacy for children, evident in every aspect of your life, have been truly inspiring. We are thrilled for you and for the positive impact your leadership will have on the Philadelphia and broader community. Wishing you and Juvenile Law Center continued success! We are always in your corner.
Puja & Neel, Anjali & Rahul, Anishee & Satyen
United in Hope for a Healthier Generation When we work together with schools, community organizations and peer institutions nationwide, we can create meaningful change and support the development of a healthy generation. At Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), we are dedicated to finding innovative and practical ways to deliver needed mental health care to young people, helping them reach their potential. Our Psychiatrist-in-Chief and AACAP President, Tami D. Benton, MD, knows collaboration is key. Join us in ensuring all children have access to the right care, at the right time, in the right location.
Join our growing team! Explore opportunities at chop.edu/psychiatry-careers ©2024 The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
is proud to support the work of Juvenile Law Center. Thank you for fifty years of advocacy on behalf of our nation’s children!
www.independencefoundation.org
The Southern Poverty Law Center congratulates Juvenile Law Center on 50 years.
Marsha, THANK YOU FOR YOUR 50 YEARS OF SERVICE TO OUR COMMUNITY
As Co-Founder & Stewardess of the oldest and most prolific NGO Public Interest Law Firm for children in the nation, it is an absolute honor and privilege for CFSY to not only stand alongside the Juvenile Law Center in the ever-important work to preserve the inherent dignity, value, and legal rights of children, but to also be able to acknowledge with due praise, sincere gratitude, and deep admiration, the unflappable, undeniable, stalwart defender of children's rights that is the living legacy of our friend, our colleague, and litigator extraordinaire, Marsha L. Levick. As Marsha passes the torch to the undeniably capable and seasoned visionary — JLC's successor CEO, Riya Saha Shah, we continue to stand in awe of JLC's stellar past, we remain equally thrilled by the unifying force that Riya will bring to a challenging present, and we are even more energized by the promising future that lies ahead for our continued partnership. Thank You for 50 Years of Service!!!
The Education Law Center congratulates Juvenile Law Center on an extraordinary 50 years! Marsha – We thank you for your groundbreaking achievements and lifetime commitment to advancing the rights of youth. Sue – Thank you for your leadership and collaboration! Riya – We are excited to continue our longstanding partnership with you at the helm! We honor Bob’s memory as we celebrate the incredible work of Juvenile Law Center.
We salute the Juvenile Law Center and its 50 years of advocating for children’s rights
www.hangley.com
Holland & Knight is proud to sponsor the
Juvenile Law Center’s 50th Anniversary Gala
.
We celebrate the Juvenile Law Center for 50 extraordinary years of leading the fight for children’s rights and applaud Marsha Levick for her years of stellar leadership and steadfast dedication.
www.hklaw.com Miami, FL | +1.305.374.8500 Copyright © 2025 Holland & Knight LLP All Rights Reserved
Congratulations to JLC for 50 years of remarkable service to and advocacy on behalf of our youth. Charisse R. Lillie & Thomas L. McGill, Jr.
Supporting Justice for All Congratulations to the Juvenile Law Center on 50 years of service. akingump.com @2025 Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP. All rights reserved. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Celebrating the legacy of Bob and Marsha – the best of Philadelphia Lawyers. Jerry McHugh
WE ARE PROUD TO SUPPORT THE JUVENILE LAW CENTER’S 50TH ANNIVERSARY GALA We join in honoring Marsha Levick’s work to change the landscape for youth justice across the country.
Partners in justice. At DLA Piper, we are proud to be a partner for justice in our communities. In collaboration with the Juvenile Law Center, we are helping to expand access to justice for youth.
dlapiper.com
Courtney Saleski | ATTORNEY ADVERTISING | MRKT0029145
Congratulations Juvenile Law Center and Marsha Levick on fifty years! Sincerely, Katy Otto & Chris Dascher
ROS Professionals Congratulates Juvenile Law Center on 50 Years of Excellence! ROS Professional Partners delivers expert fractional HR, operations, and leadership support—flexible, cost-effective, mission-focused. Smart strategy. Scalable results. Let’s build what’s next—together. rosprofessionals.com
We celebrate the amazing work of
Marsha Levick and the
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Congratulations & Appreciation to Marsha Levick Honorable Frederica Massiah-Jackson
Congratulations to Marsha Levick and Juvenile Law Center for 50 years of serving children and seeking justice
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Keep up your important work for another fifty years! Best Wishes The Kearney Family.
CONGRATULATIONS to Juvenile Law Center for 50 years of advocacy for youth
Here’s to a future where all young people are free to thrive
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
STAFF
Tami D. Benton, MD, Chair
Courtney M. Alexander
Suzanne Meiners-Levy, Esq., Vice Chair
Tomika Anglin
Gail Chavis, Treasurer
Sanjana Bijlani
Julia H. Pudlin, Esq., Secretary
Kate Burdick Aqilah David
Khaliah Ali
Tiffany Faith
James R. Bell, Esq.
Jessica Feierman
Sixto Cancel
Tiara Greene
Kathleen Chimicles, ASA
Alisa Hoban
Sacha M. Coupet, PH.D, J.D.
James Hoelscher
Judge Andre Davis (Ret.)
Bree Hood
Matthew DeAngelo
Andrew R. Keats
Judge Nancy Gertner (Ret.)
Jay Kimberley
Abd’Allah Lateef
Marsha Levick
Sarlene Mingo, MSW
Jihid Maye
R. Daniel Okonkwo, Esq.
Rosie McNamara-Jones
Robert P. Parker, Esq.
Cathy Moffa
Marque Richardson
Nadia S. Mozaffar
Dorothy Roberts, J.D.
Tasha Odom
Sarah Chubb Sauvayre
Katy Otto
Eli M. Segal, Esq.
Malik Pickett
Hillary Transue
Alexandria Rivera
Brit Christopher, Board Observer
Riya Saha Shah Hannah Stommel
Susan Vivian Mangold, Esq., Chief Executive Officer Emeritus Robert Schwartz, Esq., (1949-2024) Co-Founder & Executive Director Emeritus
Juvenile Law Center fights for rights, dignity, equity, and opportunity for youth. We work to reduce the harm of the child welfare and justice systems, limit their reach, and ultimately abolish them so all young people can thrive. 1800 John F. Kennedy Blvd. Suite 1900B Philadelphia, PA 19103 215-625-0551 / 215-625-2808 fax
WWW.JLC.ORG Juvenile Law Center @JuvLaw1975 @juvenilelawcenter.bsky.social