Name: Ashley Mikulsky

Position: Chief Development Officer

As our Chief Development Officer, Ashley is responsible for leading and executing ARL’s fundraising efforts. She is the proud fur-parent of Roxy, AKA Princess Peach, a 4 year old German Shepherd, and 3 cats – Jack, 4 years, Remy, 2 years, and Chiquita, 9 years.

We asked her a couple of questions to share with the community she serves.

How long have you been working in animal welfare, and what made you want to work in this field? 

I started at the ARL when I was just 16 years old and have been an employee for 12 of the last 18 years. Throughout my career, I have has also had the pleasure of working at 5 zoos and aquariums along the east coast in additional to other nonprofit sectors.

What is a day in the life of your job like?

While it’s a funny comparison, development is actually a lot like dating. Each day I am building relationships with our donors – whether that be on the phone, via email, or at coffee and lunch meetings to discuss the ARL and their passions. My days are constantly changing – I could be setting up for an event, writing a grant, giving a tour, or discussing a proposal over breakfast for a project we need funded this year. It is always busy – but I consider myself extremely blessed to be able to form so many meaningful connections with our generous and kindhearted supporters.

Tell us about a shelter animal you won’t forget.

There are literally hundreds. There was a tradition at the ARL that staff members would keep the cage cards of their favorite pets. I have boxes of them – and I remember every single one and their stories and outcomes. Once I year I go through those boxes to revisit them and smile.  Over the years, I would foster cats in my office– many of which I or my family ended up adopting. One in particular, Snaggles, was adopted by a woman named Sandy that ended up becoming a friend of mine. For many years (he has since passed), I would visit him and pet sit during his owner’s vacation. I still get to see a lot of the alumni I helped place!

What is your favorite memory at ARL? 

Again, when you’ve been here as long as I have – there are many! However, one I cherish the most was how I got my first job working in the cat room at shelter. Alvernia University was hosting a gorilla presentation and it was co-sponsored by the Animal Rescue League of Berks County. Knowing I needed experience for a career in animal welfare, my mom and I went to listen to the presentation with the hopes of introducing myself to the ARL staff and asking for a job. I was terrified to speak to them! My mom actually had to force me to introduce myself and ask for the job. Thanks to her, that one moment of forced bravery led to a career in animal welfare, and at the ARL in particular. We always joke that it all started with a gorilla!

What do you love most about your job, and what do you find to be the most challenging?  

I don’t think I could love any job more than the one I have. I have the extreme privilege of building relationships with kind, generous, good-natured people that want to make a difference for animals in need. Through this job, I help people realize their dreams and bring to life their passion through philanthropy. There is nothing more satisfying and beautiful than experiencing the joy that comes from helping people make a difference in the world and seeing their reaction to it.

This job also comes with a lot of stress and pressure. It’s not like a normal 9-5 where you get to leave work at work. If we don’t raise money, animals don’t get saved, the lights don’t stay on, the staff don’t have jobs. That’s an immense amount of pressure to live with every day when you see critical need, but the funds aren’t there yet. On days when that feels overwhelming – I go get lost in the cat room, and it just takes one or two head boops to remember why it’s all worth it. 

If you could cross one thing off your bucket list right now, what would it be?  

To visit the Galapagos Islands – which I hope to next year!

What do you hope the ARL team can accomplish together in the future? What is one thing you are proud of that ARL has accomplished during your time here?

I hope that all animal welfare agencies and rescues can build a collaborative partnership between one another. Resources are finite and we don’t need more nonprofits out there – we need more collaboration. I am very proud of how the ARL has changed, and especially proud of our progressive approach. Knowing that we have been recognized and given awards by national leaders in this industry is proof positive that we are on the right track.

What is one thing you wish people knew about your job?

If I had a dollar for every time someone told me “I could never ask people for money, I don’t know how you do it” the ARL wouldn’t need me! Fundraising is not scary, it is so much fun, and I never have to convince people to donate. I create opportunity for people to fulfill a passion or dreams they already have through philanthropy. It is their idea; I just help them bring it to life.  

Any last words of wisdom?

I’d like to express gratitude instead of wisdom: Thank you to each and every person that supports ARL. You have brought such immense purpose and joy to my life and it is the greatest honor to be a part of watching your generosity at work.