Hanna Lentz is the Executive Director of Supporting People and Animal Relationships for Change (SPARC), an organization focused on improving our stories and messaging so we can do our best possible work for animals and people. She has spent two decades working in animal care and well-being, including time at sanctuaries and animal shelters across the U.S,. and supporting community-based dog and cat programs internationally in countries such as Bosnia, Mexico, and Chile. Hanna is a passionate advocate for the well-being of animals and people, a messaging strategist, and a human-centered facilitator and trainer.
The Words We Use, The People We Leave Out: Transformation Through Storytelling and Cultural Connection
November 5, 2025
11:10 am - 12:10 pm |
Animal welfare often focuses on programs and services, but it can overlook the stories and cultural nuances that drive true community engagement and systemic change. This session bridges that gap by combining SPARC’s focus on storytelling with Critters and Cultures’ emphasis on cultural agility, offering attendees a roadmap to create more inclusive, impactful initiatives.
Learn how storytelling and cultural understanding can reshape the animal welfare field. This collaborative session focuses on the power of narratives to challenge stereotypes, foster empathy, and build stronger connections between organizations, communities, and the animals they serve. By blending SPARC’s expertise in using stories to support people and critters with Critters and Cultures’ mission to bridge cultural perspectives, this session provides actionable tools for leaders looking to inspire change and deepen their impact.
Key Takeaways:
- Harness the Power of Storytelling: Learn how to collect and share impactful narratives that inspire action and promote deeper community connections.
- Align Culture with Mission: Explore strategies for integrating cultural intelligence into animal welfare practices to engage diverse audiences effectively.
- Shift Perspectives: Discover how challenging entrenched stereotypes through stories and cultural understanding can lead to systemic changes in animal welfare.
- Collaborative Approaches: Gain insights into building partnerships that amplify shared goals, whether between organizations, communities, or stakeholders.
- Take Action: Walk away with a practical toolkit to start transforming narratives and fostering inclusion in your own organization.
Speakers
Hanna Lentz
Executive Director, Supporting People and Animal Relationships for Change (SPARC)
Azalia Boyd, DVM
Veterinarian, Boyd Veterinary Services and Consulting, LLC
Dr. Azalia Boyd, DVM, is a veterinarian, cultural intelligence educator, and host of the Critters and Cultures podcast. She blends her expertise in animal welfare and intercultural communication to help professionals lead with empathy and impact. Through workshops and storytelling, Dr. Boyd equips leaders to navigate cultural complexity in veterinary and community-based animal care.