Meet Nikki

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Nikki. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Nikki below.

Nikki, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

I find my purpose in service to others. A sense of service is baked into the job in the military. When I was leaving the Navy, I knew that I would need to fill that void somehow. Fostering rescue dogs and supporting rescue efforts through my nonprofit, Pup Profile, gives me purpose every day. When I see my foster dog who was saved from a life of neglect on the streets of Mexico curled up on the couch in a fluffy blanket, I know I gave her that chance. When Pup Profile is able to make a contribution to a rescue that saved an at-risk dog from a shelter, I know the work I am doing with my team matters.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I’m the founder of Pup Profile, a veteran-run 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in San Diego, CA. Our mission is to showcase and support dogs that are at risk of being euthanized at overcrowded shelters. We partner with rescues and shelter volunteers/networkers to promote their pups to fosters, adopters, and donors.

Pup Profile also raises money for at-risk dogs through The Pups Fund. 100% of The Pups Fund goes directly to rescues that save at-risk dogs from shelters to support their care. To date, we have contributed to the care of 15 dogs that were saved from being euthanized at shelters.

If you’re in Southern California and interested in fostering or adopting, check out pupprofile.org! If not, consider a one-time or monthly tax-deductible contribution to our organization. Established in 2024, we’re a new and growing nonprofit, and every dollar makes a difference. Thank you so much for your support!

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

1. Engagement. I have made so many valuable connections through simply going out and interacting with our community. Social media is great, but some of the most important relationships that I have came from connections I made at outreach events. Even if you start by just showing up with a folding table on the boardwalk and luring people in with free candy (which is exactly what we did), get out there and share your mission.

2. Relationships & Follow-through. To build your brand reputation, you must thoughtfully cultivate relationships and manage interactions with every group you engage: customers, users, sponsors, partners, and volunteers. When you meet someone new, take the time to write an email or send a message to follow up. You never know which new contact could totally change the game for you.

3. Zoom Out. The day-to-day can easily absorb your focus. Taking time to step back, see the big picture, and (re)assess your strategy is essential to ensure your vision moves forward.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

Are you a small business owner, artist, or creative that wants to give back to dogs in need? We would love to collaborate! Email [email protected] or reach out via Instagram: @pupprofile.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.pupprofile.org/
• Instagram: @pupprofile