The Association Blog

On behalf of The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement, Jasmin Robinson, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives, is delighted to introduce the returning and new members of The Association’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council.

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 centered around findings from the 2021 Animal Welfare Report and the Association’s diversity, equity, and inclusion strategic plan,” shares Robinson. The DEI Council members represent different cultural backgrounds, expertise, and leadership roles.

“Join us in welcoming the incoming members and learn more about their inspiration to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion in animal welfare,” urges Robinson. “Together, we are devoted to dismantling oppressive systems that isolate and exclude minoritized communities and their animals. We look forward to serving you.”

The 2024 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council

Returning Members

• Aiko Okamoto, CAWA, Chief Administrative Officer, Humane Society of Charlotte
• Chaya Hirsch, Spay/Neuter Veterinarian, Kentucky Humane
• Jace Huggins, VP & Chief of Humane Law Enforcement, San Diego Humane Society
• Jena Valdez, Chief Medical Officer, San Francisco SPCA
• Karla Gimae Pan, Senior Director of Lifesaving, Blue Ridge Humane
• Miguel Sheets, Director of IT, The Humane Society for Tacoma and Pierce County
• Rachel Levine, Director of People Development, Dumb Friends League
• Sam Wolbert, President/CEO, Animal Welfare League of Arlington
• Cole Wakefield, Executive Director, Good Shepherd Humane Society
• Sarah Javier, MPPA, President/CEO, Animal Protective Association of Missouri

New Members

• Wonderland Dawson, Talent Development Specialist, The Humane Society of the United States
• BJ Andersen, CAWA, Director of Volunteer Engagement, Oregon Humane Society
• Rachel Villaseñor, Pets for Life Coordinator, The Anti-Cruelty Society
• Dr. Roberta Westbrook, Chief Medical Welfare and Animal Office, Houston SPCA
• Lily Yap, Shelter Manager, Grand Prairie Animal Services
• Jessica Umunnabuike, PHR, Sr. Talent & Diversity Specialist, San Diego Humane Society & SPCA
• Hanna Lentz, Executive Director, Supporting People and Animal Relationships for Change (SPARC)
• Christina Avila, Animal Control Supervisor, City of Perris Animal Control
• Aubrey Daniels, HR Manager, Pasado’s Safe Haven