Meet Lacey Olander

We recently connected with Lacey Olander and have shared our conversation below.

Lacey , so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

It has taken me a long time and an incredible amount of effort to overcome this. Being able to be a part of something like a no-kill animal shelter where my work matters has been the fuel to overcome.
This place is love and kindness fueled by love and kindness. My past traumas don’t live here. I am recognized not by the beginning of my story, but by the present. I am recognized by the sincerity in which I pour my love. Imposter syndrome doesn’t thrive in an environment where only authenticity lives. My love for animals and my passion for kindness keep me focused that I DO belong here and I am exactly where I am supposed to be.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

Right now my biggest focus is community outreach. What I am most excited about is the 2 types of low cost clinics I created and run. It has taken me a lot of time and effort to build these from the ground up. From finding vets, securing funding all the way to getting the community to take advantage of these awesome resources. One clinic is for low cost spay/neuter surgery for cats. The other clinic is for low cost wellness care for cats and dogs. I grew up in a very low income family. Unaffordable vet care is a battle that many Americans face. My clinics are making things that were not feasible financially, completely feasible. Every animal we help is also an opportunity to educate. We work directly with owners to talk about the importance of vaccines and microchips. We are making a difference in multiple ways at the same time. Within the quality of life for the animals we care for AND for the state of awareness within their owners.
All of this in secondary to us being a safe place to house and find forever homes for cats and dogs who live at our shelter.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Lack of resources growing up led me to be a very self sufficient and resourceful person. This has a huge impact on my ability to work with little and stretch it far.

I have always had a way with words….and people. While I do not necessarily consider myself an extrovert, I do find it easy to strike up a conversation with a stranger. This is a really important skill set when it comes to working for a nonprofit. They call it “friendraising”, not fundraising.

Strong capability to multitask. If you have ever worked in a shelter, you know it can be calm one moment and chaotic the next. Being able to multitask and work on several tasks at once during interruptions is a big part of why I am able to fulfill my role successfully.

Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?

Abandon me.

When you are very young and left without any guidance or resources, you will struggle initially. However, this lack of guidance and support is actually hugely beneficial in adulthood. I seek ways to resolve issues independently. I can function at a higher rate than most. I also know my limits. I know how to identify a resource and how to ask for help. All the while being considerate that all resources are a luxury and must be appreciated.
I may not have had a support system when I was growing and learning, but in that absence I have created a support system without the flaws of the one I was born into.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.aafpets.org