SRQ Magazine | October 2021 | Women Who Roar Special Feature

WOMAN WHO ROAR | FALL 2021

ANNA GONCE

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, HUMANE SOCIETY OF SARASOTA COUNTY

“Transparency, honesty, kindness, commitment, teamwork—these are the values of a great humane organization.”

TWENTY YEARS AGO, I DROVE FROM ALABAMA TO COLORADO to interview for a job with a national animal welfare organization—in person. On that journey, I dedicated my life to working with animals. Over time, I have realized that this work is just as much about helping people as it is caring for animals. Animals are our teachers, our friends, and for many, our family. Animals provide unwavering support and unconditional love. Through laughter and tears, they are always there, and they are always overjoyed to see us. My mission in life is to help people connect with a dog or cat that desperately wants a home and a family. At HSSC, we have been making love matches for nearly 70 years. Now, with our state-of-the-art facility, we are ushering in a beautiful new era of lifesaving and innovation for our community, our state, and our country.

HUMANE SOCIETY OF SARASOTA COUNTY 2331 15th St. Sarasota, FL | 941-955-4131 | hssc.org