Marissa Joy Leichter, Esq., joined The Trust Board in July 2013. Ms. Leichter is currently the training and engagement manager for Florida Foster Care Review, which promotes the safety, well-being and long-term success of abused and neglected children through volunteer-driven case reviews and system level advocacy. Prior to her current role there, she was program manager of the Citizen Review Panel for three years.
Ms. Leichter previously served as director of Community & Legal Affairs at Educate Tomorrow, a nonprofit that creates independence for disadvantaged and foster youth through education, mentoring and life skills training. Prior to that she practiced for nine years as a senior program attorney with the Guardian ad Litem Program in Miami-Dade County, where she appeared in court representing the best interests of abused, neglected and abandoned children and helped them navigate the child welfare system.
Ms. Leichter was selected as a Miami Fellow 2011-12 by the Miami Foundation and has since served on the its Engaged Youth Committee. In 2012-13, she was selected to participate in Rotary International's Group Study Exchange Program for young professionals representing the local district in northern India.
Ms. Leichter earned a J.D. from the University of California Hastings College of the Law, an MPA from Florida International University, and a B.A. from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.