From Intern to Board Member: Welcoming Animal Advocate Lilah Foley to OAA

Ohio Animal Advocates is thrilled to welcome Lilah Foley to our Board of Directors. A longtime supporter of animal welfare and a former OAA intern, Lilah brings her policy expertise, deep community roots, and lifelong passion for helping animals to our leadership team.

Question: Can you tell us a little about yourself and what inspired you to join the Ohio Animal Advocates Board?

Foley: I actually got my start with OAA years ago as the organization’s very first college intern. That experience opened my eyes to the policy side of animal welfare, an area I found more exciting than the veterinary track I once imagined for myself. When I was asked to join the board, I said “yes, obviously!” It felt like the perfect opportunity to re-engage with work that shaped my early career. I’m also a Cincinnati native, so helping an Ohio-based organization grow its impact is especially meaningful to me.

Question: How did you first get involved in animal welfare or advocacy work?

Foley: My passion for animals started really young. In middle and high school, I spent weekends and after-school hours volunteering at animal shelters. At one pet store, the woman who provided adoptable cats actually ran a small shelter out of her basement. Whenever she traveled, I would take care of her cats. Even then, I knew I wanted to help animals however I could. In high school, I also volunteered with the ASPCA, which reinforced that this was the work I wanted to be part of long-term.

Question: Are there particular issues or program areas within OAA’s work that you feel most passionate about?

Foley: Puppy mills are the issue closest to my heart. My very first project as an OAA intern was writing a memo about puppy mills for Vicki, and it has stuck with me ever since. Because it was my introduction to advocacy work, I would love to help move that issue forward and be part of making real, lasting change.

Question: How do you see yourself contributing to OAA as a board member?

Foley: I’m excited to serve on the Community Engagement Committee, where we’re working on expanding OAA’s reach, visibility, and fundraising capacity. There are regions of Ohio where OAA isn’t as well known yet, and I’m eager to help change that, whether through outreach, partnerships, or simply speaking up about OAA’s mission. I hope to bring more people into the fold and help ensure OAA is on the radar of communities across the state.

Question: Do you share your life with any animals at home? Tell us a little about them!

Foley: I live with my cat, Cleo. I adopted her about five years ago from CHA Animal Shelter in Columbus.

Question: What’s one memorable experience you’ve had, either with an animal or in advocacy, that’s shaped your perspective on animal welfare?

Foley: My first visit to the Ohio Statehouse with Vicki stands out. I was there to testify in the Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review about a proposed rule on tail docking. It was eye-opening. I saw firsthand how some lawmakers have a bad taste in their mouth when it comes to animal welfare issues, and how easily the work can be misunderstood. That experience really shaped my perspective, advocacy isn’t just about helping animals, it’s about communicating clearly, being persistent, and building credibility in spaces where animal welfare doesn’t always get taken seriously.

Question: Just for fun, what’s your “spirit animal,” or an animal you feel especially connected to?

Foley: A dolphin!

Question: If you could inspire one action from Ohioans to make a difference for animals, what would it be?

Foley: Treat your community cats with dignity and respect. Keep them where they are, unless you’re getting them neutered and bringing them right back. A little understanding goes a long way toward keeping these cats safe and helping communities thrive.

Lilah’s journey, from shelter volunteer to policy advocate to OAA board member, reflects the heart of our mission: ordinary people taking extraordinary steps to protect animals. We’re grateful for her passion, her voice, and her commitment to building a more humane Ohio. With leaders like Lilah, we’re excited for what comes next.