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Guest Voices
Meet the Shooting Stars: Shelby Brandt
“Some of the most meaningful impact comes from creating connections that continue to grow over time” This year we once again invited senior leadership to nominate their organization’s emerging leaders...
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The Importance of Rest in Mission-Based Work
This longtime animal welfare professional makes a case for a real sabbatical system—one that helps staff reset after years of hard work, giving them the space to lean into other...
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Meet the Shooting Stars: Brandais Pooley, CVT, CPhT, CAWA
“Lasting change isn’t driven by policy alone” This year we once again invited senior leadership to nominate their organization’s emerging leaders to attend The Annual Conference on October 26–29. You...
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The 2026 Policy Wrap-Up: What Comes Next for Animal Welfare
More than 500 animal welfare bills were introduced across the country this year. Here’s what made it across the finish line At the beginning of 2026, we asked members of The Association...
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Meet the Shooting Stars: Colette Bradley
“Great hiring isn’t about finding the person with the most obvious resumé” This year we once again invited senior leadership to nominate their organization’s emerging leaders to attend The Annual...
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Word on the Street, Rising Stars Edition: TyAnn Sumpter celebrates DeAndre Boatwright
In this special-edition Word on the Street series, animal welfare professionals sing the praises of the emerging leaders they nominated as 2026 Rising Stars A stellar leader is someone who...
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Word on the Street, Rising Stars Edition: Jessica James celebrates Colette Bradley
In this special-edition Word on the Street series, animal welfare professionals sing the praises of the emerging leaders they nominated as 2026 Rising Stars A stellar leader is someone who...
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Word on the Street, Rising Stars Edition: Brandy Shimabukuro celebrates Kawena Correa
In this special-edition Word on the Street series, animal welfare professionals sing the praises of the emerging leaders they nominated as 2026 Rising Stars A stellar leader is someone who...
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Introducing Kristy Gonyer, The Association’s Director of Professional Development
The Association’s incoming Director of Professional Development shares her plans for her new role, along with a sneak peek at some exciting changes in the works In the three months...
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Word on the Street with Leann Quire: In Praise of the Exit Interview
Do you know why employees leave your organization? Animal Rescue League of Berks County’s Chief Engagement & People Officer shares an important tool for finding out the answer Having a...
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Word on the Street with Alisa Gray: Compassion Is Still a Powerful Force
Reflecting on her 18-year-career, Kentucky Humane Society’s President & CEO shares what still gives her the most hope I think, as a field, we’re evolving to be even be more...
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The Thing Nobody in Animal Welfare Wants to Talk About
June 24, 2026, Kim Alboum
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Bullying is running rampant in our industry. It is time to name it, face it, and do something about it. Bullying is not a new phenomenon in the animal welfare...
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