Today we’d like to introduce you to Jackie Ducci
Hi Jackie, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
For as far back as I can remember, I have shared a deep connection with animals. I grew up on a farm in New England, surrounded by dogs, cats, horses, and other 4-legged members of the family. The comfort and companionship they provided to me throughout life’s ups and downs while growing up was extremely therapeutic. But horses, in particular, shaped my childhood in a profound way. During a vulnerable period when I felt betrayed and misunderstood by humans, it was horses that salvaged my self-esteem and mental health. As an introverted child who also struggled with severe anxiety, I grew up feeling judged and undervalued by the people around me. I attended private schools where extroversion was the most valued trait in students. Teachers and administrators truly believed that there was a direct correlation between how outspoken a child was, and their level of intelligence. The loudest kid in the room was always perceived to be the smartest. And, by nature, I happened to be the quietest kid in the room. So, for the first 18 years of my life, I was fed the message, day in and day out, that I was not good enough. In order to earn appreciation or respect, I needed to change and somehow become something (someone) that I wasn’t. It was devastating to my sense of self-worth. Horses, by contrast, accepted me for exactly who I was. I didn’t have to be an extrovert to earn their love or respect, because our relationships were entirely nonverbal. They connected with me willingly, and built competitive partnerships with me, because I was a good person. Horses taught me that my value as a human being had everything to do with who I was at my core, and nothing to do with what I did (or didn’t) have to say. It was a hugely important lesson that completely changed my life. Without the influence of horses during those formative years, I would never have evolved into the person I am today. Because my relationships with animals have been so deep and transformative, I feel that it is my life’s mission to help other people experience the same.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road has had some bumps along the way, for sure! In 2022, I left a long and fruitful career in the recruiting industry to found my nonprofit, The Human-Animal Alliance. I am passionate about advocating for human-animal connection, and that’s exactly what my team and I are doing through our philanthropic work. The transition from running a business to running a nonprofit has been complex in ways that I never anticipated. In the beginning, it was a classic case of, “you don’t know what you don’t know.” I had assumed that my experience managing a company would translate easily into managing a nonprofit. In some ways, it did. Branding the organization, setting up the infrastructure, building the team, organizing workflows, etc. – there were many skills that carried over. But there was also a tremendous amount of new territory to navigate. Fundraising, donor psychology, selecting and managing a Board of Directors, learning legal and financial ins and outs specific to nonprofit entities, etc. – it’s all been a massive learning curve! But I believe so deeply in the mission of the organization and the good we are putting into the world, that has kept me motivated throughout times that have felt daunting. I’m learning every day, and it’s been fun gaining confidence with each year as H-AA grows.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about The Human-Animal Alliance?
The Human-Animal Alliance supports programs all across the country that share our belief in the power and value of human-animal connection. Some programs foster new human-animal connections (e.g., providing trauma survivors with access to animal-assisted therapy programs), and some protect existing human-animal connections (e.g., reuniting lost pets with their owners after natural disasters have separated them). The specific projects we fund have varied widely, but at their core, they all promote human-animal connection in some meaningful way. Animals have an incredible ability to transform lives (I am living proof of that!) and H-AA exists to help as many people as possible experience this incredible phenomenon. It is a real honor to be doing this work. I’m also very proud of what makes us unique. There are many animal rescues and animal-assisted therapy programs that exist, but we are the only organization I’m aware of that focuses specifically on the relationship between humans and animals. We are shining a light on how powerful human-animal connection can be, while directly impacting human and animal lives in real time. In addition, I personally cover all of H-AA’s overhead expenses so that 100% of public donations go directly toward helping humans and animals. Very few nonprofits can say that every dollar they raise goes directly to the mission rather than overhead. I’m proud to say that makes H-AA special. It means so much to our supporters knowing that every bit of their donation, regardless of size, will always directly impact a life.
What matters most to you?
Helping people feel more connected and less alone. There is an epidemic of loneliness in our society, which I think is also at the root of many mental health challenges that are far too common nowadays. Technology, social media, political divides, etc. have all contributed to our relationships becoming more distant and disconnected. Shallow and distant relationships have become the norm. But when we share real, authentic connection with other beings, it serves as a powerful antidote to depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and more. True connection is one of the most beautiful things we can experience in this lifetime, but it is also the one thing so many people are starving for. I find it fascinating that animals are such an extraordinary source of connection for so many people, and yet our relationships with them are built without ever exchanging a single word. In a world where we are craving depth, I invite people to consider that human-animal connection can be just as meaningful as human-human connection (and sometimes, even more so).
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.h-aa.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jackieducci/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jackieducci
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackie-ducci-b245454/
- Other: https://www.jackieducci.com
Image Credits
Black & White images – Bethany P. Photography
Yellow dress image – Aggie Brooks
Everything else – N/A (no credit necessary – Human-Animal Alliance)
