Conversations with Jennifer Evans

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Evans.

Hi Jennifer, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
Companions and Animals for Reform and Equity, kindly referred to as CARE, was founded 2 years ago by our CEO James Evans and ignited by Chetana Mirle from Spring Point’s Life of Riley. James and I had been running a communications firm Illume, and we had a long history of animal welfare clients, including the HSUS, Maddie’s Fund, and Best Friends Animal Society. Much of James’ creative strategy and market research were utilized to create effective campaigns, often with a target audience of BIPOC people living below the poverty line. When I joined the team, I was introduced to the field with Puppy Mill research, Adoption barriers, and Community Engagement and programs. I quickly learned there was always an absence of BIPOC faces, voices, and positive stories. So when Chetana approached James 3 Winters ago about investing in creating an industry change, I couldn’t say no.

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
LOL. I often refer to the work as a roller coaster. I cry tears of sadness, listening to and watching my colleagues and community members being mistreated. But I also cry tears of joy for the growth, hope, and smiles. The good outweighs the bad, and there is a shift. The biggest struggle is to get people to have real faith in wanting us to succeed. With that comes support, volunteers, funding, and partnership. Without it comes jealousy, less grants, criticism for being different, and, far too often, silence. I watched an amazing talk through Inside Philanthropy last year, and a young gentleman said, “Fund us like you want us to win.” I will never forget that.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m horrible about talking about myself, so this could be interesting. Right now, I’m in charge of operations, marketing, donor relations, a black veterinary scholarship and board development. As I type that, I laugh because it’s a lot. But as a start-up, it’s just part of the job. I have learned so much in the past 2 years about business, relationships, and myself. Historically I have a background in the arts. I went to college for Studio Art and focused on painting and drawing. Still, something I dabble in and find peace in on the beach. I have utilized that creative skill and my curiosity to find answers in marketing and communications. I spent most of my time outside of college in graphic design and management. I have also spent significant time working in the restaurant field as a host, waitress, and bartender. I will never regret the life skills I learned working in that industry, alonside a team of people while serving a variety of personalities. I’m known for my work ethic, which may come with a side of Jersey (where I grew up). I’m a bad liar, so I typically tell it like it is. But I also think I’m known for being a nurturer. It’s probably while I loved waiting on people. I think finding a balance of those will help me be the best me. I’m most proud of CARE. It is all the work, love, tears, and sweat rolled into one lovely, compassionate, evolving circle that prioritizes people that have been traditionally left out. And yes, most of those people have pets.

What would you say has been one of your most important lessons?
When you prioritize peace in your life, your circle will shift accordingly.

Contact Info:

• Website:www.careawo.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/careforequity/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/careforequity
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSqp2wxHahzyXATa-Zgcv5Q

Image Credits
CARE