Today we’d like to introduce you to Belinda Davis.

Hi Belinda, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?

From the wide-open spaces of Australia to the bustling streets of Thailand and finally to the United States, my journey has been shaped by a deep love for animals and a commitment to their welfare. Growing up in Australia, with a three-year stint in Malaysia during my childhood due to my father’s Air Force service, I developed an early appreciation for diverse cultures and environments.

My academic path led me through biology studies and eventually to a Ph.D. in molecular and microbiology. Though the journey was longer than expected, working while pursuing my doctorate taught me invaluable lessons in perseverance. After several years in research and manufacturing, I made a bold decision that would align my career with my true passion: animal welfare.

This transformation began with a move to Thailand, where I worked for two years at a dog and cat charity. After relocating to the United States, I continued this work before finding my true calling in the farmed animal rights movement. This transition felt natural, as I’ve always had a special connection with farm animals, dating back to childhood visits to my aunt and uncle’s property where they kept goats and chickens.

A pivotal moment in my journey was discovering Edgars Mission in rural Victoria, Australia. There, I formed a special bond with a sheep named Timmy, spending countless weekends volunteering at the farm and conducting outreach at local events. Today, I continue this fulfilling work at Wildwood Farm Sanctuary and Preserve in Oregon, where I’ve once again found kindred spirits among the sheep residents. My commitment to animal welfare extends to fostering, having provided temporary homes to over 150 cats and several dogs in the past decade.

Travel has been another significant part of my life’s tapestry, with experiences in over 20 countries, including meaningful volunteer work in Thailand and Zimbabwe. These experiences have broadened my perspective and deepened my understanding of global animal welfare issues.

My story is one of turning a personal passion into a professional mission, all driven by the desire to give voice to those who cannot speak for themselves.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?

I begin by acknowledging my privilege: I’ve had access to education, never experienced homelessness, and always had food security. I’m also incredibly fortunate to have grown up in a supportive family environment, free from abuse, and have been blessed with good physical health throughout my life. These fundamental advantages have provided me with a stable foundation, something I never take for granted.

Throughout my life, mental health challenges have been a constant companion. While I’m thankful these struggles have never been life-threatening, they have certainly cast long shadows over various chapters of my journey. The decision to work in animal advocacy, where exposure to animal cruelty is an inevitable part of the job, adds another layer of emotional complexity. Regularly viewing disturbing footage and documenting animal suffering can take a significant psychological toll.

However, I’ve chosen to channel these challenges into purpose. Recognizing my relative privilege and stability compared to many others, I’ve made a conscious decision to put my personal discomfort aside in service of a greater cause. The animals whose stories I help tell face incomparably worse circumstances, and this perspective helps me maintain focus on what truly matters: being a voice for the voiceless and working toward meaningful change in how society treats animals.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?

Currently, I serve as the Senior Director of Communications at Animal Outlook, where I oversee a comprehensive communications strategy including social media, website management, video production, graphic design, media relations, and newsletter creation. This role allows me to combine my professional skills with my passion for animal advocacy, working to create positive change for the most vulnerable animals in our food system.

What matters most to you? Why?

What matters most to me is alleviating animal suffering and creating positive change in the world, particularly for those who cannot advocate for themselves.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://animaloutlook.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/animal.outlook/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnimalOutlook
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/animaloutlook/
• Twitter: https://x.com/AnimalOutlook
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/animaloutlook