Advisory board
Jessika Ava, Advisory Board Member
Jessika Ava, a passionate vegan, has spent the past decade devoting her skills and experience to the animal rights movement. She began her journey in wildlife conservation advocating for Indian elephant protection, and gradually found her true passions lie in farmed animal rights and street dog welfare. Since then, Jessika has been involved with farmed animal sanctuaries and street dog rescues in India and Nepal. Her journey has led her from field and rescue work to administrative and management experience, all with the aim of helping animals.
Jessika believes that the majority of animal suffering is a result of human activities, so she takes it as her moral obligation to animals to make up for the harm our species has caused. “For this reason, I chose a life path and profession that aims to reduce animal suffering and liberate animals from human exploitation," says she.
She is also a proud parent of Luna, a rescue dog from Nepal.
“Luna adopted me when I was volunteering at a street dog rescue centre in Nepal. As a puppy, she was hit by a car and lost one leg, so it was no longer possible for her to live on the streets. She insisted on joining me on my return to the United States, where she now lives a happy life as a spoiled, 3-legged dog!”
Jessika holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Biology, a Master's of Public Administration in Nonprofit Management, and a Master's of Science in Biostatistics. She currently serves as Board Chair of Help Animals India and Out to Pasture Farm Sanctuary.
Jessika believes that the majority of animal suffering is a result of human activities, so she takes it as her moral obligation to animals to make up for the harm our species has caused. “For this reason, I chose a life path and profession that aims to reduce animal suffering and liberate animals from human exploitation," says she.
She is also a proud parent of Luna, a rescue dog from Nepal.
“Luna adopted me when I was volunteering at a street dog rescue centre in Nepal. As a puppy, she was hit by a car and lost one leg, so it was no longer possible for her to live on the streets. She insisted on joining me on my return to the United States, where she now lives a happy life as a spoiled, 3-legged dog!”
Jessika holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Biology, a Master's of Public Administration in Nonprofit Management, and a Master's of Science in Biostatistics. She currently serves as Board Chair of Help Animals India and Out to Pasture Farm Sanctuary.
Kerry Ecklebe, Advisory Board Member
A devoted animal lover since birth, Kerry Ecklebe always had a longing for the unconditional love animals can bring into your life. “I have always felt a calling to be a ‘voice’ for the voiceless in our world” says Kerry.
She has received two undergraduate degrees, one in communications/journalism and another in secondary education, and a master's degree in health education from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. She has served as the Education Director at the Nebraska Humane Society in Omaha, Nebraska for the past 16 years.
“When I look into the eyes of any living creature, especially the soulful eyes of a dog, I am touched in such a powerful way. I feel an overwhelming sense of responsibility toward that animal, for the more innocent a creature is, the more protection it needs. I have been and will always be a passionate animal advocate.”
She currently sits on the board of directors for Project Humane Nepal.
“It is such an honour to have the privilege to share the knowledge and insights I have acquired over the many years working in the animal welfare industry. It is my goal to be a valuable, contributing member of this advisory board to promote and protect animals.”
She has received two undergraduate degrees, one in communications/journalism and another in secondary education, and a master's degree in health education from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. She has served as the Education Director at the Nebraska Humane Society in Omaha, Nebraska for the past 16 years.
“When I look into the eyes of any living creature, especially the soulful eyes of a dog, I am touched in such a powerful way. I feel an overwhelming sense of responsibility toward that animal, for the more innocent a creature is, the more protection it needs. I have been and will always be a passionate animal advocate.”
She currently sits on the board of directors for Project Humane Nepal.
“It is such an honour to have the privilege to share the knowledge and insights I have acquired over the many years working in the animal welfare industry. It is my goal to be a valuable, contributing member of this advisory board to promote and protect animals.”