Blue Door Magazine’s Coastal Chronicles focuses on women, wealth and wisdom
by Justin Williams
Philanthropy is often seen as an act of generosity, but for Jassel Kaye, it is something much deeper—a way of life that intertwines community, leadership, and action. As a former finance executive turned strategic philanthropist and advocate, she has built a career bridging affluence and needs, uniting resources with purpose, and creating pathways for lasting change.
In a time when leadership is being redefined, Jassel is helping to reshape what it means to lead with clarity, connection, and intention. Her work reflects a modern sensibility—one where influence elevates others and generosity is rooted in trust and empathy.
As Chairwoman of Harvesters, member of the CASA of Orange County Board of Directors, and Co-Chair of CASA’s Celebration gala, Jassel is at the forefront of some of the area’s most impactful philanthropic efforts. Whether addressing food insecurity or advocating for foster youth, she brings a grounded commitment to service and a results-oriented mindset shaped by her financial background.
Jassel is an authentic connector who understands that affluence and need often coexist in the same communities. She approaches philanthropy not as charity but as a relationship built on long-term collaboration, transparency, and shared goals.
Her story is one of creating space for others to lead, inviting people into meaningful conversations, and supporting communities through collective action. With a passion for storytelling and deep community ties, she brings people together across sectors, helping them find their own roles in the bigger picture.
As a guest contributor to Blue Door Magazine’s podcast series, Jassel introduces a group of inspiring and influential women shaping life in Coastal Orange County. These conversations highlight the intersection of leadership, philanthropy, and impact and spotlight women using their voices, platforms, and vision to lead change.
A Journey Rooted in Purpose
Jassel’s commitment to service began long before she entered the world of finance and philanthropy. Raised in a family where giving was a way of life, she learned early on that community isn’t something you belong to—it’s something you build.
Her move from New York City to Newport Beach deepened that understanding. In New York, the challenges of poverty and inequality were visible. In Orange County’s picturesque landscape, she realized that need often exists beneath the surface. “Everything looked perfect on the outside, but there were so many invisible struggles,” she recalls. That realization fueled her desire to connect communities, bridge resources, and create spaces where generosity makes a lasting impact.
A Catalyst for Change
Jassel’s work has led her to the front lines of some of Orange County’s most pressing social issues. A pivotal moment came when she attended a CASA Celebration event nearly a decade ago. Learning about the neglected and abandoned youth in the foster system “stopped me in my tracks,” she says. “Trauma isn’t just about what happened to you. It’s also about what didn’t happen for you.” That night, she knew she couldn’t look away—and she hasn’t.
Since then, she has been instrumental in supporting organizations like CASA and Second Harvest Food Bank, the latter through her leadership with Harvesters, which raises critical funds to sustain its mission. She has served as a connector between philanthropists and the causes that need them most, helping to rally networks, build coalitions, and drive resources where they’re needed most.
Bringing Stories to Life Through Blue Door Magazine
With Blue Door Magazine, Jassel is expanding her impact by telling stories that inspire action. As a guest host of the magazine’s podcast series on successful women in Coastal Orange County, she will highlight the region’s leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers.
“Storytelling is one of our most powerful tools,” she shares. “It connects us, inspires us, and reminds us that impact comes in many forms.”
Through intimate conversations and insightful interviews, she will dive into the journeys of trailblazers in business, philanthropy, and the arts, sharing their lessons in leadership, resilience, and giving back.
Leadership with a Lasting Impact
With a background in finance, philanthropy, and advocacy, Jassel understands that real change isn’t about a single act of generosity—it’s about sustained, strategic action. Through her work with Operation HOPE and UCI’s Paul Merage School of Business, she has seen how financial education can transform lives, especially in underserved communities.
“Financial literacy isn’t just about money—it’s about dignity, security, and opportunity,” she says.
As this year’s Chair of Harvesters, Jassel is at the helm of a powerhouse group of women raising critical funds to support Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County, which now serves over442,000 people each month.
“What makes it work is collaboration,” she explains. “We have 50 incredible women leveraging their networks, corporate partners like South Coast Plaza stepping up, and donors committed to long-term solutions. That’s what real impact looks like—it’s layered and shared.” Jassel’s leadership is rooted in creating space—for others to step forward, contribute, and lead. She focuses on aligning values, building trust, and designing frameworks that support long-term growth and inclusion.
Style as Expression and Action
Jassel believes that style is more than what you wear—how you show up in the world. “Style is personal, but it’s also powerful,” she says. “It’s a form of expression. It can tell a story about who you are and what you stand for before you even say a word.”
Her unique blend of business acumen, social consciousness, and personal style makes her a formidable voice in both finance and philanthropy. From advising major donors on strategic giving to inspiring others to take small but meaningful steps toward impact, Jassel is bridging influence and action in a fresh, relevant, and deeply personal way.
For Jassel, fashion, and philanthropy often intersect. Through her work with Harvesters, they have collaborated with brands like Balmain, Mikimoto, and Khaite—not only for their design but for their values. “I’m drawn to brands that lead with purpose, generosity, and impact,” she explains. “I love their aesthetic, but I’m even more inspired by their commitment to empowering women and giving back.”
To her, investing in fashion is also about investing in something bigger—a cycle of giving that extends beyond trends and reflects her values.
A Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Jassel envisions a more connected, engaged, and purpose-driven Orange County—one where philanthropy isn’t just an occasional act but a way of living.
“I see a future where giving back isn’t reserved for a select few—it becomes part of how we all live, work, and connect,” she says. Her focus is on accessibility: creating opportunities for people to get involved in ways that feel meaningful, manageable, and aligned with their lives.
“Sometimes people think their contribution isn’t big enough to matter,” she says. “But it all matters. It all adds up.”
Her goal is to continue building bridges—between people, causes, and communities—and to help others see that they, too, have something valuable to offer.
Using Her Voice
For years, Jassel worked quietly, connecting donors, mentoring women, and serving behind the scenes. But she realized that staying silent wasn’t helping the causes she cared about. “If people don’t know the need exists, how can they help?” she says. Today, she uses her voice to amplify missions and invite others in. Through Blue Door Magazine’s podcast and editorial features, she hopes to highlight the changemakers shaping that future, inviting others to step into their own power and discover their roles in making a difference.
“Impact isn’t measured by size—it’s measured by intention,” Jassel says. “If I can inspire someone to take one step toward giving back, I’ve done my job.”
Now, as she embarks on this new chapter with Blue Door Magazine, Jassel Kaye will bring stories of leadership, generosity, and transformation to life—one conversation at a time.
