The DEI Council began in 2019 as a working group, and has grown to include 20 leaders plus volunteers to serve on the Council at large and its subcommittees. Our work is grounded in findings from the DEI Survey Analysis Reports from 2021 and 2024, and supports DEI as a core, integrated priority within our strategic plan. The DEI Council members represent different cultural backgrounds, expertise, and leadership roles.

Meet our 2025-2026 Council

• Christina Avila, Animal Control Supervisor, City of Perris Animal Control
• Aubrey Daniels, Sr. HR Manager, Pasado's Safe Haven
• Wonderland Dawson, Specialist, Talent Development, The Humane Society of the United States
• Karla Gimae Pan, Community Support Services Director, Blue Ridge Humane
• Sarah Javier, President, Animal Protective Association of Missouri (APA Adoption Center)
• Hannah Lentz, Executive Director, Supporting People and Animal Relationships for Change (SPARC)
• Rachel Levine, Director of People Development, Dumb Friends League
• Aiko Okamoto, Chief Administrative Officer, Humane Society of Charlotte
• Miguel Sheets, IT and Facilities Director, The Humane Society for Tacoma and Pierce County
• Jessica Umunnabuike, Sr. Talent & Diversity Specialist/HR, San Diego Humane Society
• Rachel Villaseñor, Pets for Life Coordinator, Anti-Cruelty
• Lily Yap, Executive Director, Stanislaus Animal Services Agency
• Kelly Cunningham, Director of Engagement, The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement
• Jim Tedford, President and CEO, The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement
• Shannon Glenn, Executive Director, My Pit Bull is Family
• Fern Weatherman, Customer Relations Manager, Saving Grace Humane Society
• Joe Lisella, CEO, Animal Protective Foundation
• T' Fisher, Director of Operations, University of Tennessee Program for Pet Health Equity
• Shelby Pearson, Director, Finance & Operations, Humane Canada
• Christine Davis, Director of Community Education, SPCA Serving Erie County