The kittens listen to classical music. The dogs are ecstatic to have their own outdoor running course.
While the felines chill to Beethoven and the canines dash around in an enclosed pen, human volunteers line the halls sorting donations, cleaning house, and ensuring each animal at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA) is given the best possible care as it waits for its “forever home.”
AWLA is a nonprofit animal shelter taking in more than 6,000 animals a year; the multi-facility agency takes in half of its animals from shelters around the country and operates programs that extends its reach globally, including dogs from “North Korean meat farms,” according to Stella Hanly, the agency’s new executive director.
“We have the potential to be able to help lots of animals,” said Hanly. “We transfer in about 50 percent of our animals from rural areas in Virginia and other states.” However, Hanly knows she can do more. “I hope to increase our reach and help Virginia become a no-kill state.”
Hanly, who was appointed to her position last fall, has used her role to bring animals from all over the state, to create a pet food pantry, and to contribute to a no-kill Virginia, among other initiatives. She also oversees the management of the Vola Lawson Animal Shelter, Alexandria’s “open-admission” animal care facility.
But while helping animals in need is her passion, it wasn’t her first career. Hanly was born and raised in Northern Ireland where she attended Queen’s University Belfast, studying Pure and Applied Mathematics. After working in computer software consulting, Hanly decided to earn her Master’s in Public Administration from the Schar School of Policy and Government. She graduated in 2013.
“I decided to get my master’s to show that I was dedicated to a career change,” she said. “I wanted to pursue a career where I could make a difference. The teaching staff at the Schar School has real-world experience, and they provided me with a solid understanding of how the nonprofit sector works.”
“Stella was an outstanding student in our popular nonprofit management classes,” said Alan Abramson, founding director of the Schar School’s Center for Nonprofit Management. “In her work with the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria, Stella is a wonderful example of someone passionate about the important work that nonprofits are doing in our local communities—and in national and international arenas as well.”
“I love working with the animals and knowing that I am making a difference,” said Hanly.