Geraldine D'Silva

As a board member, I’m proud to support the organization’s mission to increase access to shelter and housing for people experiencing homelessness alongside their companion animals.

As a steering committee member for Maddie’s Fund Community Conversations, I’m grateful to help shape these meaningful weekly 50-minute calls that connect hundreds of animal welfare professionals from around the country and beyond. Our mission is to uplift and celebrate diverse voices, with a special focus on BIPOC individuals within the animal well-being field. Together with a compassionate team, I thoughtfully help select topics, hosts and speakers so each conversation reflects real perspectives and creates a space for growth, learning and inclusivity as we all move forward together in this work.

Strategically integrated PAWS San Diego’s mission and services throughout San Diego Humane Society over six years. Envisioned, developed and launched the Community Veterinary Program, with a three - five year strategic plan, a stationary clinic and mobile clinics with strong community partnerships including Baja, Mexico and under-resourced neighborhoods in San Diego County. Launched and expanded the new Community Cat Program. Piloted and launched a One Health model. Presented nationally with animal shelter leaders on providing access to care. Piloted and launched a voucher program for veterinary care, spay & neuter and transportation. Grew the Community Pet Pantry as the community safety net during the Covid-19 pandemic distributing 2.5 million meals.

Proposed and guided the transition of San Diego Humane Society from being a traditional shelter, to integrating safety net interventions, to provide proactive services to keep pets in homes and out of the shelter. Introduced Community Pet Events providing access to care in resource deserts all over the county, engaging human service groups, council members and the community at large.

Led PAWS San Diego through a successful merger with San Diego Humane Society. Introduced the culture of safety net programming, established a proactive program and the concept of integrated animal and human services to help people keep their pets. Received Proclamation of PAWS San Diego Day from the San Diego City Council members. Co-founded the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee in 2019.

Strategically grew and led a small non-profit supporting vulnerable families through a successful merger and acquisition by San Diego Humane Society. Led the customization and implementation of a large IT project using Salesforce.