Judie Mancuso is the founder, CEO, and president of Social Compassion in Legislation (SCIL), the leading political advocacy group dedicated to advancing animal protection laws. Since 2007, she has spearheaded more than 70 state bills—28 of which have been signed into law—achieving landmark victories such as banning the sale of animal-tested cosmetics, prohibiting wild animals in circuses, ending commercial and recreational fur trapping, and requiring plant-based meals in all state hospitals and prisons.

Under her leadership, SCIL has also championed protections for companion animals, including banning the retail sale of puppy-mill bred dogs, cats, and rabbits; mandating microchipping for shelter pets; legalizing dining with dogs; creating a specialty license plate that funds low-cost spay and neuter surgeries; naming the shelter pet as California’s official state pet; and outlawing leaving animals in cars during extreme weather.

Recognized for her unwavering advocacy, Judie was named one of Orange County’s most influential people in 2019. She has served as Vice Chair of the Laguna Beach Environmental and Sustainability Committee and completed two terms on the California Veterinary Medical Board. She resides in Laguna Beach with her rescued cats and dogs.