Ohio Animal Advocates is excited to welcome Maria Petkovic as our newest John Glenn College of Public Affairs intern! Before officially beginning her internship this fall through The Ohio State University's Ohio Government Internship Program, Maria has already jumped in as a volunteer, helping with research and advocacy projects.

We recently sat down with Maria to learn more about her passion for animals, her interest in public policy, and what she's looking forward to during her time with OAA.

Question: Tell us a little about yourself.

Maria: I'm a student at The Ohio State University's John Glenn College of Public Affairs, where I study public policy analysis. This fall, I'll be joining Ohio Animal Advocates through the Ohio Government Internship Program, but I started volunteering over the summer to gain experience working with a nonprofit and learn more about animal advocacy.

Question: What inspired you to apply for the internship with Ohio Animal Advocates?

Maria: I learned about Ohio Animal Advocates through the Ohio Government Internship Program. My career advisor connected me with Vicki Deisner, the Executive Director of OAA, and after learning more about the organization, I felt it was a great fit for both my experience and my passion for helping animals and protecting the environment.

Question: What sparked your love for animals?

Maria: I've loved animals for as long as I can remember. I grew up riding horses and volunteering at local stables, and I've always had cats. A few years ago, I volunteered with Waterloo Alley Cat Shelter, where I helped with social media, transported cats to emergency veterinary visits, cared for animals, and helped maintain the shelter.

Those experiences showed me how much of a difference people can make in an animal's life and inspired me to continue working in animal welfare.

Question: Is there one animal that especially shaped your passion?

Maria: Absolutely! My cat, Grady. He was rescued after being abandoned and was in very poor condition with a severe infection and ear mites. The veterinarian said he likely wouldn't have survived much longer without intervention. Seeing his recovery reminded me how important rescue work is and reinforced my desire to help vulnerable animals.

Question: Why did you choose to study public policy?

Maria: I originally studied environmental policy before realizing I wanted to pursue something with an even broader impact. I've always been interested in creating positive change in my community, and public policy gives me the opportunity to work on issues that can improve people's and animals' lives on a larger scale. I'm also considering law school in the future.

Question: Which Ohio Animal Advocates issue are you most excited to work on?

Maria: Puppy mills. Growing up in Northeast Ohio, I knew many people whose dogs came from puppy mills, and I've seen firsthand the health problems many of those animals experience. It's an issue that's close to home, and I'm looking forward to learning more about it and helping advocate for stronger protections.

Question: If you could encourage every Ohioan to take one action for animals, what would it be?

Maria: Sign up for Ohio Animal Advocates' Action Alerts. They make it easy to contact your elected officials about important animal welfare issues. It's a simple step that allows individuals to have a voice while encouraging lawmakers to create meaningful, long-term change.

Question: What advice would you give students considering an internship in public policy or animal advocacy?

Maria: Don't rule anything out. Before learning about Ohio Animal Advocates, I hadn't imagined myself working for a nonprofit. But I've already found this experience incredibly fulfilling. Sometimes the opportunities you don't expect end up being the ones that inspire you the most.

Question: What's one thing you wish more people understood about animal welfare?

Maria: I wish more people knew about the connection between animal abuse and human violence. It's something I only recently learned about, despite caring about animals for most of my life. Understanding those connections really changed the way I think about animal protection and why these issues matter.

Question: Looking ahead, what are you most excited about?

Maria: I'm excited to learn more about advocacy, nonprofit work, and how policy can improve the lives of animals and people. Whether I ultimately attend law school or work in nonprofit policy, I know I want a career focused on creating meaningful change for those who can't always speak for themselves.

Question: What's your spirit animal?

Maria: A bunny! They're smart, gentle, and surprisingly funny. I think they're wonderful little animals.

We're thrilled to have Maria on the Ohio Animal Advocates team and look forward to seeing all she'll accomplish during her internship. Welcome, Maria!

Get Involved

Want to get involved like Maria?

1. Check out our Action Alerts page and use our letter templates to let your representative where you stand on the animal-related laws being considered in Ohio. New alerts added as laws are reintroduced in session throughout the year.

TAKE ACTION

2. Learn more about the issues Ohio Animal Advocates focuses on by exploring our Advocacy page.

3. Subscribe to our e-newsletter to receive animal welfare related news and resources in Ohio straight to your inbox.