Cincinnati Animal CARE Partners with Cincinnati Regional Chamber C-Change Program to Develop Young Leaders Board
New initiative will build a pipeline of future advocates, donors, and leaders for Hamilton County’s animal shelter
CINCINNATI, OH, Thursday, May 14— Cincinnati Animal CARE, the Hamilton County animal shelter and sole provider of animal services for the county, has partnered with the Cincinnati Regional Chamber C-Change leadership development program to design and launch a Young Leaders Board. This new initiative aims to engage emerging professionals in advancing the shelter’s mission by creating a sustainable framework that strengthens involvement from the next generation of community changemakers.
The project runs May 1 through October 31, and brings a team of C-Change participants into the shelter for a hands-on, community-driven experience.
C-Change is a professional development program designed to advance mid-career professionals in the Cincinnati region. The curriculum combines skill-building with community engagement opportunities, helping participants expand their impact in current and future organizational roles. As part of the program, participants take on meaningful community projects that deepen their connection to the region while creating positive local impact.
The group will work closely with Cincinnati Animal CARE’s Associate Director of Strategic Growth, Mollie Watson, and participants will begin their work directly with the organization to gain firsthand experience with daily operations. “This project is about building something that can help us grow stronger and broaden our reach,” said Watson. “We are working alongside this team to create a clear, thoughtful roadmap for how a Young Leaders Board can function, evolve, and make a real impact for the animals and the people we serve.”
The team will complete a dedicated volunteer day, ensuring their work is grounded in a real, on-the-ground understanding of the organization’s needs. From there, the group will spend the remainder of the project developing the comprehensive framework, strategy and tools needed to successfully design, launch and sustain the Young Leaders Board.
“The future of our organization depends on the strength of our community and the people who are willing to invest their time, energy and ideas into this mission,” said Carolyn Evans, President and CEO of Cincinnati Animal CARE. “This partnership allows us to be intentional about cultivating deeper community involvement and creating meaningful opportunities for emerging professionals to help shape the future of animal welfare in Hamilton County.”
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About Cincinnati Animal CARE
Cincinnati Animal CARE (CAC) is Hamilton County’s only open-intake animal shelter for stray dogs and the sole provider of animal services in the county. This rapidly growing organization is committed to progressive, lifesaving practices, and since opening in 2020, the shelter has maintained a save rate of over 90%, consistently achieving no-kill status. CAC has completed more than 25,000 adoptions and provides both animal sheltering and dog warden services. The organization is powered by a dedicated team of staff, volunteers, and fosters, supported by national partnerships, and focused on community-based solutions that keep pets and people together. We do things differently because we CARE. Learn more at www.cincinnatianimalcare.org.
Pictured: CAC Young Leaders Board from L-R
