Hannah Orbach-Mandel (she/her/hers)
Policy Analyst
Hannah Orbach-Mandel, Policy Analyst, conducts research and analysis on gender equity and supporting California workers. The goals of her work are to advance policies that promote equitable working conditions for all workers, especially women and people of color, and to improve the lives of California women and families.
Before joining the Budget Center in 2022, Hannah received a master’s degree in public policy from the Heller School at Brandeis University, where she focused on policies to support survivors of sexual misconduct in higher education and in the workplace, and on paid parental leave policies. While getting her degree, she worked at TIME’S UP where she conducted research on best practices for workplace sexual harassment policies. Hannah earned a bachelor’s degree in economics and mathematics from Kenyon College.
Hannah was born and raised in Tucson, Arizona and enjoys swimming, biking, and running, even in the dry heat. When she isn’t exercising, she loves cooking, reading, and watching sports, especially the University of Michigan Wolverines.
meet the expert: hannah orbach-mandel
Read more about Hannah's story and the work she's doing at the Budget Center in our Q&A.
Recent posts by Hannah Orbach-Mandel
-
5Facts
Chosen Family: Expanding Paid Family Leave for Diverse Communities
California's paid family leave program excludes many workers, especially LGBTQ+ and immigrants, from taking leave to care for loved ones because the program's definition of family is too narrow.Poverty & Inequality -
Issue Brief
Two California Families, Two Futures: The Real Cost of Federal Budget Cuts
key takeaway Republican federal budget proposals threaten critical programs for California families — like Head Start and afterschool care — while offering tax breaks to the wealthiest 1%, putting children’s well-being and working parents’ economic security at risk. The federal government funds critical programs and services for California’s families that benefit children across the state, …Child Care & PreschoolFederal Policy -
Issue Brief
Supporting Survivors: The Need for Stable Funding for Victim Services
key takeaway Federal funding cuts to the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) threaten essential services for survivors of domestic violence, creating instability for service providers who rely on these funds. To ensure survivors receive the support they need, state and federal policymakers must prioritize stable, ongoing funding and prevent further cuts to VOCA. Every Californian …Poverty & Inequality -
5Facts
Women of Color Need Health Care Investments, Not Cuts
key takeaway Cutting Medi-Cal funding would deepen racial and gender health disparities, putting the well-being of women of color at risk. Women of color already face systemic barriers to health care due to racism and sexism, leading to poorer health outcomes and shorter life expectancies. Policymakers should strengthen Medi-Cal to ensure equitable access to health …Health & Safety Net -
Report
Disrupting Disparities: Ending the Black Women Wage Gap in California
Women in California deserve the opportunity to thrive and access the same economic opportunities as their male counterparts. When women thrive, their families and communities prosper. However, women in California continuously encounter structural barriers that prevent them from doing so. Black women and Black single mothers in California, in particular, regularly confront policies rooted in …Poverty & Inequality
