We recently connected with Flavia Pradolin and have shared our conversation below.
Flavia , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
I became a volunteer for Safe Haven for Animals ( non killer cat shelter/sanctuary) 9 years ago doing a cleaning shift in the morning. I realized the shelter needed guidance regarding the medical and operational areas. Slowly I started helping in the medical part creating protocols and medicating the kitties.
I also made changes of how to operate the shelter to make a safety environment for our felines friends.
Eight months ago the director of the shelter decided not to help anymore and I decided to take a risk and become the Executive Director of the shelter.
Without having any experience of how to run a business I took this risk and so far I’d been very successful.
I am focused on strengthening organizational stability, I lead through integrity and inspiration, teamwork, and service to the community. I formed a new board of directors to align with new goals and attracted volunteers experienced with adoptions, marketing, and fundraising. I updated standard operating procedures, created a strategic plan to increase adoption, recruiting and attack donors.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
This is a copy of my bio that was created by one of my volunteers: Meet Flavia, our dedicated CEO and feline enthusiast. With a lifelong love for animals, especially cats, Flavia currently shares
her home with three adorable felines, including Diamond, a Safe Haven foster and one of the shelter’s longest-resident cats
who requires more specialized care. Flavia’s journey began at the age of 9 in Argentina, taming feral cats and assisting
neighbors with medicating their feline companions. Her connection with cats deepened at 10 when she had the amazing
opportunity to assist a vet in neutering her own cat.
Flavia’s self-proclaimed purpose in life is to help others, and she felt she truly found her calling at our shelter, and boy are we
lucky to have her. A chemist in her native country of Argentina, turned medical laboratory scientist her in the US, Flavia
combines her medical background with animal behavior studies to aid the kitties in our care. Her commitment extends beyond
borders; she has ventured to Mexico aiding in TNR programs, emphasizing trap, neuter, and release of felines, as well as Haiti
to provide volunteer medical services to humans in need.
In addition to her role as CEO, Flavia brings over 7 years of volunteer experience from Safe Haven, where she quickly assumed
the position of resident medical/veterinary tech. Her dedication is unparalleled; often known for stopping by the shelter after
hours, after a night of tango dancing in heels to medicate cats. Flavia’s steadfast determination guarantees that the cats in our
care receive top-notch treatment. This commitment is exemplified by her initiative in crafting a thoroughly researched and
comprehensive volunteer policy and procedure manual long before assuming the role of CEO. Her attention to detail ensures
the best and safest care for the shelter’s residents.
But Flavia is not just our CEO; she is also the legendary cat whisperer. Her knack for winning over even the most feral cats is a
testament of her unwavering commitment to the well-being of our feline friends. Outside the shelter, her diverse interests
include traveling, where she often visits cat shelters worldwide to expand her knowledge and share insights. A passionate
hiker, tango and Latin dance enthusiast, she also indulges in aerial acrobatics and photography. Fun Fact: Flavia passionately
champions a low-waste lifestyle, dedicated to minimizing her carbon footprint. Be sure to ask her about this if you have a
chance to chat with her about it!
Flavia brings a wealth of experience, compassion, and a proven track record, ensuring that each cat in our care receives the
‘best of the best’ while prioritizing the well-being of both our team and the animals we serve. We are thrilled with the prospect
of the heights Safe Haven for Animals can reach under Flavia’s leadership!
How do you keep your team’s morale high?
Communication is the key. Keeping your team inform and what you expect from them had been very successful to me. Rewarding and recognize them is also very important. Also lead by example and be there for them.
Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?
Passion. When you have passion you can do so much, it doesn’t matter how many hours I spend working at the shelter, seeing those cats going to their forever home, the sick kitties getting better and the smile of the volunteers for witnessing all of these good changes is very rewarding.
Passion is my fuel.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.azshfa.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/safe_haven_for_animals/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SafeHavenforAnimals/
Image Credits
Flavia Pradolin