We were lucky to catch up with Jessica Lopez recently and have shared our conversation below.
Jessica, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?
Being the only one in the room — often the only woman and the only Latina — taught me that difference isn’t the obstacle. Unspoken assumptions are.
I remember sitting in a municipal meeting where leaders were discussing how to increase access to care in communities that look like mine. The ideas were well-intentioned, but disconnected from how those communities actually build trust and engage. In that moment, I realized my role in the room wasn’t to blend in — it was to translate lived experience into action.
Working in animal well-being and veterinary medicine has reinforced that lesson. Many of our leaders still don’t look like the communities we serve, and growing in this industry has shown me how much representation truly matters. Not just symbolically, but practically.
As BIPOC leaders, it’s not enough to lead well behind the scenes. We have to lead with our presence and our voice — because when we do, we actively shape what leadership looks like next. I want the next generation coming into this field to know that we are here, that there is space for them, and that their lived experience is not a limitation — it’s an asset.
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?
I work in animal well-being and veterinary medicine, where my focus is on expanding access to care for pets and the families who love them. I’m the founder and executive director of The PAW Mission, a nonprofit organization that provides high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter services, community veterinary care, and education across Southern California, often in areas that have historically been underserved.
What’s most exciting to me about this work is turning good intentions into real impact. We don’t just talk about access to care — we build the systems that make it possible, whether that’s through mobile clinics, municipal partnerships, or community-driven outreach that meets people where they are. I’m especially proud that our work centers both animals and the humans connected to them, recognizing that animal well-being and community well-being are deeply intertwined.
Representation is also a core part of my work and leadership. In veterinary medicine and animal welfare, leadership has not traditionally reflected the communities we serve. Being a Latina leader in this space has shown me how important it is to lead not only with skill, but with presence and voice — so the next generation can see that they belong here too.
As for what’s new, The PAW Mission is continuing to grow. We’ve recently expanded our veterinary services, strengthened municipal partnerships, and are preparing for new clinic offerings and community programs designed to further reduce barriers to care. Everything we do is rooted in the belief that compassionate, accessible veterinary care should not be a privilege — it should be a given.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, three things have had the greatest impact on my journey: an enthusiasm to learn, a strong work ethic, and the willingness to work with people and organizations who gave me a chance early on.
My enthusiasm to learn showed up as curiosity and humility. I asked questions, sought out mentors, and paid attention to how systems actually worked — especially where they failed. For anyone early in their journey, my advice is to stay curious and open. Learn not just the technical skills of your field, but also the “why” behind decisions, policies, and outcomes. That understanding will set you apart.
Work ethic has also been foundational, but not in the sense of simply working long hours. It’s about showing up consistently, being dependable, and doing the work with care even when no one is watching. Early on, your reputation is built less on titles and more on how you handle responsibility. Focus on excellence in the role you’re in — it creates opportunities for the roles you want.
Finally, working with people and organizations that were willing to give me a chance made a tremendous difference. Not every opportunity is perfect, but many are stepping stones. My advice is to recognize potential in those chances, show up ready to contribute, and then grow into the space you’ve been given. At the same time, remember to pay that forward as you advance — opening doors for others matters more than we often realize. Careers aren’t built in isolation. They’re built through curiosity, consistency, and community.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Yes — I’m always looking to collaborate with people and organizations who care deeply about animal well-being, equity, and community impact. As The PAW Mission continues to grow, we’re especially seeking partners and board members who are not only aligned with our mission, but willing to be engaged, thoughtful, and hands-on.
We work at the intersection of animal welfare, veterinary medicine, and access to care, so the most meaningful partnerships come from people who bring both expertise and heart — whether that’s in governance, operations, fundraising, advocacy, or strategic growth. Sustainable impact is built through shared responsibility, and we value collaborators who are ready to contribute their skills and perspective.
If this work resonates with you and you’re interested in connecting or learning more, you can email [email protected]. and include Attn: Jessica Lopez in the subject line.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thepawmission.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thePAWmission
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thePAWmission
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-lopez-91768lopez/
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