The Unstoppable Susan Leibsohn 

Before she could even write her own name, Susan Leibsohn was drawing pictures of girls wearing dresses. Her early passion came as no surprise to her family, who were all involved in the fashion industry. Susan graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York, not far from her hometown in Brooklyn. By age 24, Susan owned her own $6 million clothing company--It’s Me--that manufactured junior dresses.

Anyone who has met Susan knows that she is a force of nature. Susan attributes her resilience to her parents--one of whom was extremely street-smart; the other, book smart. She remembers her father telling her to reach for the stars, because if she missed, she would still get to the moon.
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“You have ups and downs but you weather them.”
​- Susan Leibsohn

In 1995, Susan retired, married her husband, and raised a family. But she soon had an urge to give back, which led her to become the top volunteer at Dress for Success. "I came up with the idea for Shop for Success when I saw a Chanel suit and thought--'We can donate that to one woman, or sell it and make enough to give handbags to 20 women!'" Susan organized the first Shop for Success event in Los Angeles in just three weeks. This event became the signature fundraiser for Dress for Success and attracted thousands of shoppers--including celebrities. In her 10 years there, Susan raised $1.3 million. ​

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Susan Leibsohn and Lilian Miller, PRESENT NOW Executive Director

Susan was connected to PRESENT NOW through our Executive Director, Lilian Miller, for they both worked together at Dress for Success. PRESENT NOW is honored to have Susan support our organization. 

“It feels so good. I’m feeling this passion… I want to show [these kids] that there are people out there that care about them.” - Susan Leibsohn

Susan’s drive and energy is contagious. Her focus on our upcoming Give Love & Be Loved Annual Benefit has the entire PRESENT NOW Team in awe. Thanks to Susan, we have already secured some of the top designer brands and services for our LOVE BOXES and Silent Auction. 

​Thank you, Susan, for your dedication and tenacity!
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​"Don't forget about the children--they are our future." - Susan Leibsohn

​Be sure to secure your tickets to our Give Love & Be Loved Annual Benefit to experience all of Susan’s magic!