We’re looking forward to introducing you to Jackie Ducci. Check out our conversation below.
Jackie, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
A TED talk! I’m terrified! But, I know it’s time. The talk I’ve written is timely, and I’m confident it will resonate strongly with audiences. I’ve recently begun the formal application process and hope to be on stage delivering it very soon. Fingers crossed!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m an advocate for the power and profound value of human-animal connection. In today’s fast-paced, digitally saturated world, we are starving for authentic, soul-nourishing connection. And I know – from personal and observed experience – that animals can provide it in ways that other humans often can’t. The influence of animals on human lives, especially in times of hardship, can be truly life-changing. Out of that belief, I founded The Human-Animal Alliance – a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting programs nationwide that foster and celebrate human-animal connection. While many animal-related charities focus on rescue, therapy, or shelter efforts, our mission is uniquely centered on the relationship itself – the connection between humans and animals as a force for healing, growth, love, hope, and happiness. Another aspect that sets us apart: 100% of public donations go directly toward programs supporting people and animals, and never overhead. It’s a model built on trust and transparency, with a shared love of animals and belief in how important their influence is on human lives.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
My relationship with my horses. As an introverted child who also struggled with social anxiety, I often felt judged, overlooked, and undervalued – especially in my school environment where extroversion was equated to intelligence. For much of my early life, I received the message that I wasn’t “enough.” But my horses never saw me that way. They saw me for who I really was. They formed deep bonds with me because I was a good person at my core. In the quiet, nonverbal connection I shared with them, I discovered a sense of worth that was completely detached from how much I said or how “outgoing” I was. They saw me — the real me — and in doing so, helped me see myself more clearly. They taught me that being accepted doesn’t require performance – only authenticity. It was a lesson that reshaped my self-image and, ultimately, the course of my life.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Resilience and a stronger sense of self. We all experience struggles in life – it is part of the human experience. Whenever I have faced a difficult event or a dark time, I’ve come through it with more confidence in my own strength and capacity to keep going. It’s like building a muscle; the more it is challenged, the stronger it becomes and the more it can carry. Times of struggle are exactly the same. Every time we go through something painful or difficult, it’s an opportunity to realize our own strength, and stand in our power. When times are smooth sailing, that’s beautiful, of course. But it’s through the struggles that we experience real growth, and build a foundation strong enough to carry us through anything.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I’m deeply committed to advocating for a more pet-inclusive world – starting with the workplace! The data is showing that pet-inclusive policies go far beyond an employee perk or “feel-good” benefit – companies that implement them are successfully attracting more talent, retaining more talent, and reporting higher employee satisfaction than companies that are not pet-inclusive. Before launching The Human Animal Alliance, I led a hospitality recruitment firm with a 90% long-term placement rate, so I understand the challenges businesses face when it comes to finding and keeping great people. The best, most forward-thinking companies lead with empathy and respect for how employees actually live. And with 97% of pet owners considering their pets a part of their family, supporting those relationships just makes sense. Whether it’s pet-friendly offices, pet insurance, flexible leave policies, or something else, there are so many ways to support human-animal connection at work, and I’m passionate about encouraging organizations to discover how it can work for them.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people say that my love of animals wasn’t just a passion – it was my purpose. That I lived authentically, followed my intuition, and used my voice and resources to create meaningful change. I helped people feel seen, valued, and connected through the magical presence of animals. And that the ripple effect of that work, through The Human-Animal Alliance and beyond, made the world a more empathetic, compassion, and connected place for humans and animals, alike.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://h-aa.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jackieducci/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackieducci/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jackieducci
