Community Voices: Shakela Brown

Shakela Brown
At Best Friends, we use our networks to introduce you to advocates like Shakela Brown, who give back to pets and people in their community.
By Best Friends staff

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.

Person sitting down surrounded by kittens and holding one in his arms

Find more ways to help

Want to know more about what’s happening in your community and how your actions can save the lives of cats and dogs at home? Join the 2025 Action Team and connect with others in your community.
Silhouette of two dogs, cat and kitten

Help save homeless pets

You can help end the killing in shelters and save the lives of homeless pets when you foster, adopt, and advocate for the dogs and cats who need it most.

Let's make every shelter and every community no-kill in 2025

Together, we're creating compassionate no-kill communities nationwide for pets and the people who care for them.

Let’s be friends! 

Connect with us on social media to stay in the loop about the lifesaving progress we’re making together.  
 

Facebook logo    Instagram logo    icon