Social Compassion in Legislation’s (SCIL) mission is to save and protect animals in the wild, on the farm, and in homes through public policy advocacy in California and beyond. SCIL works closely with legislators to sponsor compassionate legislation and steer regulations that affect animals, as well as fight legislation that does harm. SCIL partners with other organizations aligned with their values to amplify a voice for the voiceless.
Our Team
JUDIE MANCUSO
Founder /CEO / President
Judie Mancuso is the founder, CEO and president of Social Compassion in Legislation. Under her direction, SCIL has spearheaded 60 state bills – including 22 that have been signed into state law. She has also successfully led organized opposition against some of the world’s largest special interest groups to stop harmful and exploitative legislation that would negatively impact animals.
SIMONE REYES
Vice President, Communications
As Vice President of Communications for Social Compassion in Legislation (SCIL), Reyes effortlessly blends her more than two decades of animal rights activism and veganism with her vast on-camera and public speaking experience.
LEAH STURGIS
Vice President, Wildlife Protection
Leah Sturgis is an independent film Producer and Director who became a passionate voice for wildlife after her dog was caught in deadly fur trap that was illegally set on her private property.
NICKOLAUS SACKETT
Director of Legislative Affairs
Nick Sackett is our Sacramento-based Director of Legislative Affairs. Nick is instrumental in SCIL’s continued success in collaborating with lawmakers to pass groundbreaking legislation.
DIANE KEATON
Member
Diane Keaton is an actress, director and producer. Her acting career spans over twenty-five movie greats, including The Godfather Trilogy, Looking for Mr. Goodbar, Annie Hall, for which she received a best actress Academy Award, and the smash hits Father of the Bride and The First Wives Club.
MAGGIE Q
Member
Maggie Q is an outspoken animal rights activist, actor, model, producer, and health advocate. She has worked tirelessly to promote a healthy vegan lifestyle, push for animal advocacy legislation, stop illegal wildlife trafficking and fight for ecological conservation.
GENESIS BUTLER
Member
Genesis Butler, also known as the “Amazing Animal Ally”, is a passionate environmental and animal rights activist and one of the youngest people to ever give a TEDx talk. She is the founder of the nonprofit organization, Genesis for Animals, which raises funds for sanctuaries around the world and her passionate advocacy for animals has earned her numerous awards and recognitions honoring her work.
LOUISE LINTON
Member
Louise is using her time in Washington DC to advocate for animal welfare. Her specific focus in 2020 will be the enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act, as it pertains to Puppy Mills and large or exotic animals in Roadside Zoos.
HAZE LYNN
Member
Graduating from the University of Southern California with an inherent passion for animals, Haze Lynn founded Take Me Home Rescue in 2001. She then went on to found the “Let’s Fix It” Program where volunteers not only teach humane education, but offer each low income student in the program medical assistance for their own companion animals.
KAREN “DOC” HALLIGAN
Member
SCIL is proud to have Karen “Doc” Halligan as one of our esteemed Board of Director members. The Chief Veterinary Officer of The Lucy Pet Foundation, Halligan has developed a distinguished veterinary medical career while establishing herself as a national authority on animals.
