Community Voices: Shakela Brown

Shakela Brown is the Director of Community Programs at the Humane Rescue Alliance in Maryland and has been with the organization for 28 years.

Shakela is a strong voice and advocate for the community, both people and pets.

What is the most rewarding part of your work?

One of the most rewarding parts of my work is the ability to help pets stay with their families by providing resources or services for them. Many of them are able to help their community/family with the information they receive.

In your opinion, how does community wisdom play a role in your advocacy and work in animal welfare?

Community wisdom plays a huge role in the success of my work in animal welfare. I am there to support the community with their needs and their pets. The community is strong and has knowledge in the best way to assist them. I have to work as a team with the community to end barriers and help find solutions.

What would you like to see for the future of animal welfare and human well-being?

In the future I would like to see diversity in high-ranking shelter positions, and I would like to see animal welfare organizations working toward more direct work in the community, whether it's many hubs or pop-up engagement centers that are partnering with human well-being service providers.

My vision for human and animal welfare is community finding solutions for their community. This work is not monolithic. There is no one-size fit all solution. We have to allow those in community to lead to their own salvation by empowering them with the resources and knowledge to do so.