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
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Report
Equity on the Line: The Dangerous Cost of Cutting Support for Black Women
key takeaway Black women have helped propel California into becoming the fourth-largest economy in the world, yet Congressional proposals to cut essential programs like health coverage and nutrition assistance would disproportionately harm them. These cuts compound the systemic racism, economic inequality, and generational trauma Black women in California already face. Access to affordable health care, …Federal PolicyPoverty & Inequality -
Issue Brief
TGI Californians Face New Risks from Harmful Federal Proposals
key takeaway Protecting Medi-Cal’s funding and access to gender-affirming care is essential to safeguard the health, mental well-being, and dignity of California’s low-income transgender, gender-expansive, and intersex communities. However, this is currently threatened by federal budget cuts and policy proposals that would exacerbate existing disparities and costs. Every Californian should be able to make decisions …Federal Policy -
Q&A
Deportations and Immigration Limits Threaten California Families, Economy
key takeaway Federal deportation policies and restrictions on immigration are not only tearing apart California families but also threatening the state’s economic vitality, workforce stability, and access to essential services like food, housing, and care. California is home to the largest share of immigrants in the United States. Immigrants are an integral part of California’s …Federal Policy -
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, …Federal Policy
