March 28, 2025
LOS ANGELES, CA – As Lupus LA continues its mission to expand patient advocacy, research funding, and direct support for lupus patients nationwide, the organization is proud to announce Debbi Cowan as its new Board Chair, Amanda Palley as Board Secretary, and the addition of Donna Jordan and Shannon Pawl Derby to the Board of Directors. This leadership expansion reflects Lupus LA’s dedication to strengthening representation for lupus patients and caregivers, ensuring that individuals with lived experience and deep commitment to the cause are at the forefront of the organization’s efforts.
Debbi Cowan is a business powerhouse, owner, and principal of Rockdyne Enterprises. A Los Angeles native and Stanford University graduate, she has been deeply involved with Lupus LA since her daughter Amanda’s lupus diagnosis in 2006. Over the years, Debbi has played a pivotal role in the organization’s growth, fundraising, and advocacy efforts, ensuring critical resources reach lupus patients and their families.
“Those of us who have been touched by lupus recognize how life-altering it is, not just for the patient but for everyone in the family. We were so lucky that Lupus LA was there for us when our daughter was diagnosed 20 years ago, and the information and support they gave us was one of the greatest and most positive influences in the way we have coped through the most challenging times. I welcome this incredible opportunity to give that support to others who are continuing to deal with the many difficult aspects of this disease.”
Lupus LA is also pleased to announce that longtime board member Amanda Palley has been appointed Board Secretary. As Senior Vice President of Current Programs at CBS Studios and Network, Amanda oversees some of television’s most beloved series, including Tracker, Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, Jane the Virgin, Walker, Young Sheldon, and The Big Bang Theory. Amanda, a lupus warrior herself, brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her leadership role, helping expand Lupus LA’s patient advocacy, education, and outreach efforts.
“Lupus LA is at the forefront of driving progress in lupus research and patient support,” said Palley. “I’m honored to be part of an organization that not only brings hope but also delivers real resources to the lupus community.”
A lupus warrior herself, Donna Jordan has long been a fierce advocate for lupus awareness and fundraising. As an artist, mother, and philanthropist, she first became involved with Lupus LA through MBJAM, an annual patient community event established by Donna and her son, actor and director Michael B. Jordan, to honor his mother’s lupus journey and bring awareness to the disease. Donna is also the proud mother of Jamila Jordan-Theus, an Emmy Award-winning film and TV producer, and Khalid Jordan, a Film/TV Literary Manager at M88.
As a lupus patient and wellness expert, Shannon Pawl Derby brings a unique perspective on holistic health and chronic illness management to the board. The founder of Restore Fitness and Nutrition, Shannon is a certified personal trainer, corrective exercise specialist, and fitness nutrition expert. After struggling with her health for years, she transformed her lifestyle through movement and nutrition, now empowering others with lupus to regain strength and confidence.
With a board made up of business leaders, advocates, and individuals with lived lupus experience, Lupus LA is poised for national growth—continuing to fund critical lupus research, expand education programs, and ensure that lupus patients everywhere have access to the resources they need. Through these efforts, Lupus LA remains dedicated to advancing scientific breakthroughs, increasing public awareness, and strengthening support for those affected by lupus.
“Our mission has always been to meet the needs of lupus patients where they are,” said Susan Bazarsky, Executive Director of Lupus LA. “With the leadership of Debbi, Donna, Shannon, and Amanda, we are expanding our reach and deepening our commitment to ensuring every person affected by lupus has access to education, care, and community support.”
Lupus LA is growing, but its mission remains the same: to improve the lives of those affected by lupus. With the support of dedicated board members, sponsors, and community partners, the organization is ready to make an even greater impact in research, advocacy, and direct patient support.
To learn more about Lupus LA, get involved, or share your lupus story, email info@lupusla.org or visit www.LupusLA.org.
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🔗 Visit: LupusLA.org/board-of-directors for more information.
Lupus LA is an independent, national nonprofit health organization, based in Los Angeles, that is committed to finding the causes of and a cure for lupus while providing support, services, and hope to those living with this autoimmune disease. Through fundraising events, community outreach, and advocacy, Lupus LA works to improve the lives of lupus patients both in Los Angeles and across the world.
