Betsy Butler has been fighting for equality and justice throughout her career. She currently serves as the Executive Director for the California Women’s Law Center (CWLC) where she works to create a more just and equitable society by breaking down barriers and advancing the potential of women and girls through transformative litigation, policy advocacy and education.

Prior to joining CWLC, Betsy served in the California State Assembly representing the 53rd District covering coastal Los Angeles. During her tenure in the legislature, Betsy prioritized bills addressing the needs of veterans, older Americans, working families, the environment and consumer rights. Committed to those who have served our country, Betsy was honored to be named the Legislator of the Year by both the Vietnam Veterans of America and the American Veterans (AMVETS).

A committed advocate for fairness and equal rights, Betsy has worked for the California League of Conservation Voters, the Environmental Defense Fund and the Consumer Attorneys of California. She began her career in public service with Lt. Governor Leo McCarthy and was an appointee of President Bill Clinton in the International Trade Administration at the U.S. Department of Commerce in Washington, D.C.

Betsy served on the California Commission on Aging from 2015-2021, and was Chair from 2018-2020. Betsy is also a former appointed member of the Los Angeles County Probation Commission (2016-2021) and the California Film Commission (2008-2010). She presently serves on the Board of the Planned Parenthood Advocacy Project of Los Angeles, Equality California, the Redondo Beach Veterans Memorial Task Force, the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles, Creative Acts and the Advisory Board of Peace Over Violence, a domestic violence education and support organization.

Betsy graduated from San Diego State University and from the Executive Program in Management at UCLA.