The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement Learning Center
10-29-24 The Roundtable: How to Retain a Diverse Workforce
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What keeps employees around?
In this roundtable, panelists will discuss the realities of sustaining a workforce with employees from various backgrounds, needs, and experiences. Hear how they keep their staff engaged and committed to their teams and organizations. We'll talk about providing professional development opportunities for employees, whether they are in their dream job or aspire to grown into another role.
This discussion is especially for hiring managers, leaders, and committees who are interested in learning about resources that can help empower, support, and maintain a diverse workforce.
The Roundtable Panel:
- Rachel Levine, Director of People Development, Dumb Friends League
- Jessica Lopez, Executive Director, The PAW Mission
- Jessica Umunnabuike, Senior Talent & Diversity Specialist, San Diego Humane Society
Moderated by:
- Jasmin Robinson, Director of DEI Initiatives, The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement
This roundtable has been approved for 1 Certified Animal Welfare Administrator continuing education credit.
Rachel Levine
Director of People Development, Dumb Friends League
Rachel Levine is the Director of People Development for the Dumb Friends League and oversees Diversity, Equity, Accessibility and Inclusion Strategy (DEAI) as well as Succession Planning, Career Pathing, and Leadership Development. Rachel has worked extensively in Human Resources and Corporate Training in both for profit and
non-profit companies. Rachel has a B.A. and M.A. from the University of Colorado at Boulder and an M.Phil. from the University of Cambridge. Rachel serves on the Board of Directors for the Denver Language School, the DEI Council of The Association, and is an advisor for the Customer Experience Program at the Leeds School of Business at the University of Colorado.
Jessica Lopez
Executive Director, The PAW Mission
Jessica Lopez has dedicated 21 years to the veterinary field, with 14 focused on advancing animal welfare. Seven years ago, driven by her commitment, she founded The PAW Mission, which now includes a 5-acre sanctuary, two mobile RVs, and plans for a permanent facility. Her leadership emphasizes professional growth and team empowerment while expanding her impact through innovative animal care solutions.
Jessica Umunnabuike
Senior Talent & Diversity Specialist
San Diego Humane Society
Jessica Umunnabuike (she/her) is a first-generation Nigerian American from Ohio. As the Sr. Talent & Diversity Specialist at San Diego Humane Society, Jessica performs an array of employee engagement functions, with a focus on staffing and diversity, equity, and inclusion. Jessica holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Professional in Human Resources® (PHR®) certification.
Jasmin Robinson
Director of DEI Initiatives
The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement
Jasmin M. Robinson is The Association's Director of DEI Initiatives. She is also the CEO and Founder of I.D.E.A.L. Education, LLC., and a consultant with MSM Global Consulting. She has over 10 years of experience leading efforts to foster and maintain inclusive work environments that welcome, embrace, empower, and celebrate people. She is actively pursuing a doctorate in Higher Education Leadership at Indiana State University.
