Founders

LEAD WOLF-DOG SPECIALIST

Tracy studied animal science at the University of Hawai’i, and has always had a love for the creatures that are often overlooked or feared. She’s been working with apex predators for over a decade, a majority of that leading conservation focused shark dives on O’ahu. She is especially interested in top-down trophic cascades and protecting the predators that control it to ensure healthy and thriving ecosystems.

WOLF-DOG SPECIALIST

Angela has loved wolves and wildlife for as long as she can remember. With over 2.5 years of wildlife rehabilitation experience, including working closely with wild canids such as gray foxes and coyotes, she developed an even deeper appreciation for these often misunderstood animals. She brings both knowledge and compassion to her role as a wolf-dog specialist. Angela is passionate about coexistence and helping others build a deeper respect for wolfdogs, wild wolves, and the natural world they’re part of.

EDUCATION DIRECTOR

Danielle co-founded Blackberry Creek Farm Animal Sanctuary in Northern California and LEAP, a national nonprofit empowering young leaders in animal advocacy, wildlife conservation, climate solutions, and plant-based food systems. She is a 2024 Sacramento Business Journal 40 Under 40 Honoree and holds an MA in Education and a teaching credential, with 10 years of experience in public education and over a decade running an animal sanctuary.

At Women for Wolves, Danielle develops education initiatives that foster critical thinking around compassionate conservation and empower people of all ages to create meaningful change.

DIRECTOR OF INDIGENOUS PARTNERSHIPS

Dr. Jessica Hernandez (Binnizá/Zapotec & Maya Ch'orti’) is an Indigenous scientist, climate justice leader, and best‑selling author whose work is reshaping environmentalism through an Indigenous lens. As the Director of Indigenous Partnerships for Women for Wolves, she supports Indigenous‑led stewardship, wildlife protection, and community‑driven conservation efforts that safeguard wolves and the ecosystems they depend on.

WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST

Dr. Anna Doty is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology at California State University, Sacramento. Anna is an ecophysiologist, primarily focusing on how wildlife physiologically respond to disturbances in their environment. Anna holds a B.S. in Conservation and Resource Studies from U.C. Berkeley, an M.Sc. in Zoology from Nelson Mandela University in South Africa, and a Ph.D. in Zoology from the University of New England in Australia. Anna is a passionate conservationist, working towards mitigating the effects of anthropogenic disturbances, such as human-caused wildfires, habitat loss, and human-wildlife conflict.

Anna is excited to contribute towards Women for Wolves’ mission and helps shape change and promote research projects that prioritize an increased understanding of wolf population dynamics.

DIRECTOR OF TECHNOLOGY

Tara holds a Master’s degree in Data Science and a background in physiology and neuroscience. She brings together scientific training with technology and data analysis to support wildlife conservation and nonprofit initiatives. At Women for Wolves, she contributes technical expertise and research that help strengthen the organization’s mission while also supporting the care and wellbeing of rescued wolf-dogs. She is passionate about using science, education, and community engagement to promote coexistence between people and wildlife and to protect the ecosystems they help sustain.

ART DIRECTOR

Jackie Wada is a local Sacramento-based artist and abstract painter who graduated from Sacramento State with a degree in Art. Her work explores emotion, movement, and connection through layered acrylics and textured canvas. Recently, Jackie has drawn deeper inspiration from the relationship between art, nature, and animals. This connection grounds her creative process and reflects the beauty, energy, and harmony found in the living world.

WOLF-DOG SPECIALIST

Sofia’s journey began three years ago when she rescued her reactive German Shepherd, Blue. Through patience and training, she helped him overcome his fears. Now, she is devoted to offering transformative care to rescued wolf-dogs.

DIRECTOR OF REHABILITATION

Jill Lute served as Senior Keeper at Folsom Sanctuary in Northern California for over a decade. She also has rescued many wolf-dogs throughout her life and career, and is an expert on wolf-dog behavior. Jill’s experience is invaluable to the mission of Women for Wolves.