Uploaded April 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 days ago
Co-hosts:
Rachel Lim, Marketing Communications Specialist at Maddie’s Fund
Maria DeLeon, CDBC, Smart Hund Dog Behavior Consultant, NJ
smarthund.com
Our speakers today:
Jyothi Robertson, DVM, DABVP, Owner and Principal Consultant, JVR Strategies
Alessandra Navidad, President & CEO, Arizona Animal Welfare League
This presentation explores the innovative initiative spearheaded by the Arizona Animal Welfare League (AAWL), aimed at increasing access to veterinary care for the Latinx community in Central City Phoenix. Utilizing community-based research, inclusive methodologies, and strategic partnerships
Through comprehensive community surveys, inclusive data collection methods, and strategic partnerships, this initiative marks a pivotal shift towards a more inclusive and community-focused approach in animal welfare.
Participants will be introduced to the methodologies used for engaging underserved communities, the critical role of cultural and linguistic inclusivity in service delivery, and how assumptions about community needs were challenged and reframed. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies for implementing similar initiatives, illustrating the project's relevance and innovative approach to animal welfare professionals looking to make a significant impact.
Key Takeaways:
● Understand the importance and impact of community-based research in veterinary care.
● Learn strategies for engaging with underserved communities and incorporating cultural and linguistic inclusivity.
● Recognize the role of strategic partnerships and internal data analysis in refining service delivery.
● Explore the challenges encountered and how they were overcome, offering insights for other organizations aiming to adopt a similar approach
To comment or ask more questions about this meeting, please visit https://maddies.fund/communityconversations42726
About Community Conversations, hosted by Maddie’s Fund: When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in early 2020, animal sheltering transformed overnight. Foster-based sheltering, home-based employees and volunteers, along with collaboration galvanized our communities. The pandemic, along with social injustice, has motivated our industry to look at how we partner with our communities and confront our own biases. Shelter and rescue staff across the country began talking on a weekly basis, offering support and innovative ideas to do things differently. To learn more about these calls, visit forum.maddiesfund.org/communityconversations
Chapters
00:00 Welcome, Question of the Day
03:10 Presentation
Co-hosts:
Rachel Lim, Marketing Communications Specialist at Maddie’s Fund
Maria DeLeon, CDBC, Smart Hund Dog Behavior Consultant, NJ
smarthund.com
Our speakers today:
Jyothi Robertson, DVM, DABVP, Owner and Principal Consultant, JVR Strategies
Alessandra Navidad, President & CEO, Arizona Animal Welfare League
This presentation explores the innovative initiative spearheaded by the Arizona Animal Welfare League (AAWL), aimed at increasing access to veterinary care for the Latinx community in Central City Phoenix. Utilizing community-based research, inclusive methodologies, and strategic partnerships
Through comprehensive community surveys, inclusive data collection methods, and strategic partnerships, this initiative marks a pivotal shift towards a more inclusive and community-focused approach in animal welfare.
Participants will be introduced to the methodologies used for engaging underserved communities, the critical role of cultural and linguistic inclusivity in service delivery, and how assumptions about community needs were challenged and reframed. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies for implementing similar initiatives, illustrating the project's relevance and innovative approach to animal welfare professionals looking to make a significant impact.
Key Takeaways:
● Understand the importance and impact of community-based research in veterinary care.
● Learn strategies for engaging with underserved communities and incorporating cultural and linguistic inclusivity.
● Recognize the role of strategic partnerships and internal data analysis in refining service delivery.
● Explore the challenges encountered and how they were overcome, offering insights for other organizations aiming to adopt a similar approach
To comment or ask more questions about this meeting, please visit https://maddies.fund/communityconversations42726
About Community Conversations, hosted by Maddie’s Fund: When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in early 2020, animal sheltering transformed overnight. Foster-based sheltering, home-based employees and volunteers, along with collaboration galvanized our communities. The pandemic, along with social injustice, has motivated our industry to look at how we partner with our communities and confront our own biases. Shelter and rescue staff across the country began talking on a weekly basis, offering support and innovative ideas to do things differently. To learn more about these calls, visit forum.maddiesfund.org/communityconversations
Chapters
00:00 Welcome, Question of the Day
03:10 Presentation
