Compassionate Action for Animals (CAA) is excited to welcome Itzel Herrera to our Board of Directors! Itzel brings a decade of hands-on animal advocacy, nonprofit leadership experience, and a passion for community-centered change. From managing operations at Spring Farm Sanctuary to volunteering with Twin Cities Veg Fest and the Twin Cities Vegan Chef Challenge, she’s already made an impact — and she’s eager to help CAA grow.
“I want to connect with people who share a passion for creating meaningful impact for animals and the community,” Itzel shared. “Joining the board gives me the opportunity to learn from experienced advocates while contributing my skills in strategy, project management, and communications.”
Why Join the CAA Board
Joining CAA’s board seemed like a logical next step for Itzel. She said, “I’m motivated to collaborate on initiatives that expand compassion and generate tangible change for the animals. I want to learn from experienced advocates while contributing professionally in strategy, project management, and communications.”
Advocacy Journey
Itzel’s path into animal advocacy began over a decade ago as an independent rescuer of cats and dogs. She later collaborated with Esperanza Canina in Mexico and other rescuers, and in the U.S. served as General Manager at Spring Farm Sanctuary in Minnesota. She also volunteers with Animal Free Science and CAA (Twin Cities Vegan Chef Challenge and Twin Cities Veg Fest).
“These experiences gave me hands-on knowledge of direct animal care, outreach, public education, and strategic advocacy,” she said.
Why CAA
Itzel was drawn to CAA’s blend of community-building, education, and advocacy — especially welcoming programs like Twin Cities Veg Fest, community meals, and campus outreach.
“I admire how CAA makes activism approachable and impactful. The UMN program is making a difference among college students. There’s a real opportunity to further strengthen activism’s impact on young people.”
Board Service Perspective
“For me, an effective board balances vision with practical decision-making. The board provides strategic direction, ensures alignment with the mission, and supports sustainability. It should oversee governance, fundraising, and accountability — while serving as ambassadors to the broader community.”
Fundraising & Community Engagement
At Esperanza Canina and Spring Farm Sanctuary, Itzel helped develop fundraising strategies, organize campaigns, and engage donors through events and social media content.
“I’ll support CAA’s fundraising by leveraging my network, participating in donor stewardship, and helping design campaigns and proposals that clearly communicate impact — while keeping current donors engaged.”
Itzel’s Skills & Background
Professionally, Itzel brings expertise in strategic project management, organizational culture, and people management (HR). She enjoys writing, social media content creation, photography, data analysis, and research. She holds a BA in Philosophy and a Master’s in Human Capital Direction and Development, and she’s pursuing her PMI certification.
“I enjoy taking on a variety of tasks to make sure goals are achieved effectively,” she said.
Itzel Shares Her Favorite Plant-Based Foods
Itzel loves making plant-based versions of traditional Mexican dishes, especially those she grew up with, such as Picadillo, Mole de olla, Pozole, Tamales, and Menudo. In her own words, “As I’ve discovered other cultures and cuisines, I’ve also grown to love cooking Ramen, Tteokbokki, and Aloo Chana Masala and Tofu curry. I really enjoy experimenting with tofu and textured soy protein.”
How She Spends Her Time Outside of Advocacy Work
Itzel is certainly busy with her work on the board and other volunteer duties, but she also enjoys a variety of personal pursuits in her spare time. She shared with us just how she likes to spend her time:
“I’m passionate about continuing to learn about different cultures, philosophies, and traditions. I enjoy practicing yoga and going to the gym, as well as discovering new parks to walk with my family (my husband and our dogs, Seth and Odin). I love reading world literature and philosophy, including authors such as J. M. Coetzee, José Saramago, Haruki Murakami, Han Kang, Fernanda Melchor, and Oscar Horta. I also enjoy writing and playing the piano.”
Itzel’s Vision for the Movement
“It’s essential to pair grassroots education with systemic change. Education and community outreach inspire individuals, but we must also engage institutions, businesses, and policymakers to create lasting impact. Collaboration, evidence-based advocacy, and inclusivity are key. We should communicate veganism to non-vegans respectfully and empathetically — using clear facts and avoiding unproductive, emotional debates.”
Values & Perspective
“I’m deeply committed to animal rights and vegan advocacy in my personal and professional life. I bring a cross-cultural perspective from work in Latin America and the United States, and I’m passionate about connecting local action with global impact. I value collaboration, integrity, and accountability in everything I do.”
Itzel sees board service as both a privilege and a responsibility. “I’m enthusiastic about contributing to CAA’s mission, learning from fellow board members, and helping the organization grow in reach, sustainability, and impact. Everyday actions bring us one step closer to a vegan world for the animals.”
Welcome to the board, Itzel! We are so grateful to have you on our team!
