UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School’s online MBA program
Hi Carole,
In November MBA@UNC, UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School’s online MBA program, is launching a new article series called “7 Business Women Who are Leading the Nonprofit World” and we would love for you to take part.
We know that women who run nonprofits are doing tremendous amounts of good and are not traditionally recognized for the incredibly hard work they do every day. We want to highlight your nonprofit’s efforts and provide a call to action for others to get involved in the important work you are doing. All we would need from you is time to answer a couple of questions via email, if that’s the most convenient mode of communication for you. Once the story is published we will share it with top media outlets, various websites, and through our own social media.
Are you interested in participating in this project? We would love to be able to feature Big Cat Rescue. I look forward to working with you soon and appreciate your help.
Molly Greenberg
Community Relations Manager ▪ MBA@UNC ▪ UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School
What is your role? CEO
What is your company’s mission?
Caring for big cats and ending the trade in them as pets, props and for their parts.
What inspired you to start your business?
A bobcat named Windsong was being sold at auction and the bidder was a taxidermist. I didn't know what I'd do with her, but she wasn't going to become a den decoration.
What drives you to do what you do every day?
Big cats belong in the wild and are vital to our planet's health. The only way to save cats in the wild is to first end the exploitation of them in captivity. If the only place you could ever see a tiger is in the wild, then you will be more inclined to save wild places for wild creatures to thrive.
Who are your role models?
Alan Rabinowitz, Wayne Pacelle, Mike Markarian, and many others who are dedicating their lives to ending animal abuse.
Are donations more plentiful leading up to Thanksgiving?
Could you provide any stats? We have never ranked donations by seasons, but we do see a marked increase in visitors during the winter, as it is cooler here in Florida.
What CTA would you like us to share with our audience?
Please call your member of congress and ask them to champion the Big Cat Public Safety Act (HR 3546) This bill bans the private possession of big cats.
Education
How did your education play a role in transforming your business idea into a reality?
I only have a 10th grade education and there was nothing in my schooling that prepared me to save big cats nor raise the millions of dollars each year that are necessary to care for them and pursue the mission of ending the trade.
Do you think entrepreneurship can be taught or is it an innate skill set?
I come from a long line of entrepreneurs, on both sides of the family, so I really don't know. I believe that you can learn anything you set your mind to, and it isn't rocket science. The blueprint for success, is to give enough people what they want, in order to get what you want. I want people to end the trade in exotic cats. I tell them the stories of abuse, I share photos & videos of these magnificent animals, I show people the light at the end of the tunnel, and appeal to their inner desire to make a difference.
As one of MBA@UNC’s core values is leadership, what are you looking for in the next generation of female leaders?
98% of our workforce at Big Cat Rescue are female (or are clearly in touch with their feminine side). I believe more than 70% of our supporters to be female, but that is harder to quantify. I think the next generation of leaders will be female because of changing attitudes toward women and their roles.
Challenges and Rewards
What is the most difficult part and most rewarding part of leading a nonprofit?
The most difficult part of leading a non profit is getting people to take action. It's easy to get the