At Ohio Animal Advocates, the work of advancing animal welfare is driven by passionate individuals committed to creating meaningful, long-term change. OAA’s Chief of Staff, Andrea Nadolny is one of those people. What began as a high school internship quickly grew into a four-year journey rooted in advocacy, policy, and purpose. In this Q&A, Andrea reflects on how she found OAA, what has shaped her commitment to animals, and what she hopes to see for the future of animal welfare in Ohio and beyond.

Question: What initially drew you to Ohio Animal Advocates, and how has your journey evolved since then?

Nadolny: I actually started with OAA in high school through the John Glenn College of Public Affairs internship program at The Ohio State University. I was really excited about the opportunity to work at the Statehouse in Columbus, but COVID made that difficult. My internship advisor noticed I had listed that I was vegetarian and suggested I volunteer with Ohio Animal Advocates. I hadn’t really considered working for a smaller nonprofit before, but I thought it would be a great experience, and I’ve been here ever since. It’s been over four years now.

Question: Was there a specific moment when you realized this was something you wanted to fully commit to?

Nadolny: Yes, after my first year as an intern. Vicki was looking for additional support as other interns were moving on, and she called me (while I was in rehearsal for a high school musical!) to ask if I’d be interested in joining the team in a paid role. I said yes immediately. I truly believed in the mission and wanted to help animals in any way I could.

Question: What does animal advocacy mean to you on a personal level?

Nadolny: To me, animal advocacy is about being compassionate toward all living beings we share this planet with. I became vegetarian in seventh grade for ethical and sustainability reasons, and I’ve stuck with it ever since. Honestly, that meant a lot of PB&Js at the beginning, but it was important to me to stay committed to my values.

Question: Why are organizations like Ohio Animal Advocates so critical right now?

Nadolny: OAA is the only statewide organization in Ohio focused on animal welfare policy. That’s incredibly important. Animal rescues do amazing work, but advocacy and education address the root of the problem. OAA focuses on the systems in place and how we can change them to create long-term impact.

Question: What are some behind-the-scenes efforts people might not realize are essential?

Nadolny: A lot! I’ve worked on action alerts, those prewritten messages that make it easy for people to contact their legislators. Making advocacy accessible is really important to me. I’ve also worked on email communications, website updates, and redesigning parts of the site to make it more user-friendly and accessible. Even in a part-time role, there’s a lot that goes into keeping everything running.

Question: OAA recently held an in-person Board meeting, what stood out to you?

Nadolny: It was incredible to have so many passionate advocates and experts in one room. People came from all across Ohio — Cleveland, Cincinnati, Athens — to meet in Columbus. Being able to connect in person, have real conversations, and even just share that space together was really meaningful. It definitely reinvigorated people’s passion for the work.

Question: Looking ahead, what are your plans for the next year?

Nadolny: I’m graduating from The Ohio State University with degrees in International Relations & Diplomacy and Italian Studies. I’ll be leaving OAA in August and hope to pursue a career in peace studies, ideally working in Washington, D.C. I’m really passionate about bipartisanship and creating more collaborative, effective systems.

Question: Is there a specific issue within animal welfare you’re especially passionate about?

Nadolny: Animal testing. I actually developed OAA’s animal testing subpage and did a lot of research on the topic. It’s something I feel strongly about. There are more humane alternatives, and many countries are already moving away from it. I’ve also made an effort in my own life to support cruelty-free brands and align my spending with my values.

Question: If you could inspire Ohioans to take one action for animals, what would it be?

Nadolny: Run for office. Be the change you want to see.

A lot of people are frustrated with the system, but real change happens when people get involved, especially at the local and state level. We need more voices advocating for animals in government.

Question: What has this experience with OAA meant to you?

Nadolny: I’m incredibly thankful for this opportunity. I truly can’t imagine where I’d be without OAA. It’s shaped who I am, deepened my understanding of how government works, and taught me how to advocate for change at every level. Vicki has been an amazing mentor. She’s really inspired me to grow and find my voice in this space.

Question: What’s your spirit animal?

Nadolny: A bear! My family has a cottage near Sleeping Bear Dunes, and I grew up spending time there. There’s a story tied to the dunes about a mother bear and her cubs. It’s always stuck with me. Plus, I just think bears are really cute.

As Andrea prepares to step into her next chapter, her impact on OAA — and on animal advocacy in Ohio — will continue to resonate. Her journey is a reminder that change starts with showing up, staying curious, and being willing to take action. Whether it’s through policy, education, or simply aligning everyday choices with personal values, every effort matters. And as Andrea puts it best: if you want to see change, don’t wait—get involved and be part of it.

Meet all the OAA Board members, staff and advisors at ohioanimaladvocates.org/about.