Sepideh Daneshmand calls the world her home and is proficient in several languages. Having lived and worked in the Middle East, Europe, and South and East Asia, she made the transition from her corporate career in international business to development in the nonprofit field. Documentaries on factory farming sparked her journey to embrace a compassionate lifestyle, leading her to PETA. “I am honored to stand with PETA’s Augustus Club members, who allow us to make a difference together,” she says. She shares her home with her two rescued cats, Atlas and Apollo, whom she adopted from a local animal shelter where she volunteers.

Gildalina, who also goes by Gilly, is from New Jersey, where she worked for many years helping homeless women and children. After discovering the vegan lifestyle, she decided to travel with her companion animal, Precious, so that she could reconnect with herself and nature. Eventually, she settled down in Norfolk, Virginia, in order to work for PETA. She says, “I’ve always wanted to help all beings, especially those whose voices are ignored, and it’s a dream come true to work with likeminded individuals every day.” She lives by the words “when you take care of the present, the future will take care of itself” and is very excited to work with compassionate PETA members to improve the future. She says that she’s grateful to be able to help animals, the environment, and other humans in any way that she can.

Tim Enstice oversees all aspects of PETA’s planned-giving programs. Dedicated to assisting animals on every level, he also helps PETA deliver free doghouses to give some comfort to vulnerable “backyard dogs.” Before he earned a master’s degree in public affairs and a law degree, he made time to serve two and a half years in Ecuador with the Peace Corps. Inspired and motivated by PETA publications, he decided to devote his life to animal rights. He says that what attracted him to PETA was “a sense that I could use my talents to help those whose cries for mercy we as a society choose to ignore.

Daniella Ramadei went vegan at age 12 after reading PETA and Buddhist literature. Her animal advocacy began with love for her family’s dogs and volunteering at animal shelters. Studying and working overseas exposed her to the dire circumstances of animals around the world. After law school, she worked as a legal researcher for a charity devoted to shutting down puppy mills and pet stores. She continues to volunteer at local animal shelters and events informing the public on animal issues. She says, “I’m delighted to use my expertise to assist compassionate people in supporting the fight against animal suffering.”

Kristin Salsano has always held animals in high regard and treated them as equals, but her true animal advocacy started when she decided to go vegan. The compassion she felt after that decision naturally led her to a career in animal rights. When she isn’t working hard to end animal suffering, she enjoys creating inspiring vegan recipes and trying the latest vegan foods on the market. She shares her home with her two cats, Hemingway and Tobias, who are the lights of her life. She loves having the opportunity to talk to PETA supporters about animal rights, PETA’s work, and how to make a lasting legacy for animals.

Like many other PETA supporters, Jennie Taylor’s compassion for animals began in childhood. Later, after learning about the suffering of calves on veal farms, it led her to the plight of animals used for laboratory testing, food, clothing, and entertainment. Jennie has spent over 30 years in the nonprofit sector, including several at PETA. For many years, she has advocated on behalf of animals to promote a compassionate lifestyle and the view that all animals are individuals deserving of equal consideration. Jennie says “It’s a personal and professional privilege to be able to help others find the best ways they can help animals.”

Kara Williams began her journey of animal activism in high school, when she refused to dissect cats. Later, as a teacher, she rescued a rabbit who was being confined to a cage in a classroom and suffering from a life of loneliness and stress. Kara became increasingly involved in animal rescue efforts focusing on domestic rabbits and injured pigeons as well as victims of the cruel pigeon-racing, pigeon-meat, and dove-release industries. She went vegan and joined in rallies and marches for animal rights causes, including efforts to shutter slaughterhouses. Ultimately, she wanted as much of her time and energy as possible to go toward helping animals suffering in laboratories and in the food, clothing, and entertainment industries. That’s why she is thrilled to have joined the PETA Foundation Legacy Gifts team, speaking with members who are putting their compassion into action! Kara shares her life with rescued rabbit and pigeon companions.