Welcome to Friday Feature! Every Friday we will feature someone involved with ARC, including Board members, Junior Board members, field partner staff on the ground in Tanzania, and our volunteers and interns. We hope that this new feature will help you to get to know the many faces behind ARC and connect with our mission on a deeper level. This week we are featuring Lori Weitzel who recently joined ARC’s Junior Board. (In case you missed it, you can read last week’s debut Friday Feature here.)

Lori Weitzel works in the Legal Department of the ASPCA, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing animal cruelty across the United States. Prior to joining the ASPCA, Lori taught elementary school in Manhattan and served as a volunteer in the ASPCA’s adoption center. A lifelong animal welfare advocate, Lori continues to serve as an active volunteer for the organization, assisting in rescue and relief efforts, government relations initiatives, and adoption events. Lori graduated with a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology from the State University of New York at Buffalo and holds a Master’s of Science in Education from Hunter College.  A passionate traveler, Lori studied abroad in England and recently visited the beautiful country of South Africa. She lives in Brooklyn with her husband, two cats, and boxer.

Getting to Know You…

How did you first get involved with ARC and when? 
I first became involved in ARC in January of 2011 after my trip to South Africa. I was inspired by ARC’s mission and fundraising efforts to help educate people on the important roles that these forests play.

How have you been involved with ARC most recently? 
I recently volunteered at ARC’s Artists for Africa annual benefit. It was a wonderful opportunity to learn about the organization and meet others who shared my interests in conservation.

Of all the places you have traveled, which resonates most with you?
My trip to South Africa was the most amazing and inspiring country I have ever been too. The more time I spent there, the deeper my love and connection grew. The people are so strong and encouraging, and the love they have for their country and culture is extraordinary.

What do feel is the biggest challenge facing Africa today?
In my opinion, the biggest problem that Africa faces today is HIV/AIDS.  Although there are numerous initiatives and campaigns which have been used to try to prevent the spread of HIV, more funding and programs are needed to educate the public. Many are either uneducated about ways to prevent the disease, while others are tired of hearing about something that is spoken of so frequently. Scores of young children who are infected or whose lives have been affected by the disease need to be given the proper education and tools to help combat this crisis.

It often feels like one person can’t make a difference supporting the many environmental causes there are today. What small steps can people make to help conservation/preservation efforts in Africa or globally? 
Not trying to change the world all at once. Sometimes we try to change everything so quickly, that we end up overlooking things or making mistakes. Making a small change to your daily routine or something you do can have a huge impact. I try not to use plastic bags at the grocery store and use a eco-friendly, BPA water bottle. Small changes lead the way to even bigger change.

What inspires you and how do you live it? 
I am inspired by my desire to make a change in this world, no matter how small it may be or how small of a role I may play. By taking small steps to work towards something I believe in inspires me to get involved and learn about new ways to help make a difference. I am also inspired by the hard-working people around me who every day work towards something they feel so strongly about.

What is your most commonly spoken phrase, word, or saying?
From my favorite song “I hope you dance”, the line “Never Settle for the Path of Least Resistance”. Too often we are guilty of taking the easy way out because we may not want to take on a challenge or hard work that may arise. It is important to face those challenges, as that is when we most often learn what we are capable of.

What do you do in your free time?
Yoga and spinning allow me to unwind and distress. I also love reading, as it feels so good to let your mind go somewhere else.

What websites and blogs to you frequently visit?
Conservation International is a great way to stay informed and up to date on the issues around us and what initiatives are being taken all across the world.

What was the last book you read?
The last book I read was Whatever You Do, Don’t Run by Peter Allison. His tales as a safari guide in Botswana were hysterical!

How has your work with ARC inspired you or changed your life? 
My work with ARC has made me evaluate a lot of the choices I make and what impact they could have on not only myself, but others around me and the environment. ARC has furthered my interests in conservation and helping to support communities that may not have access to every day necessities.  I am committed to helping protect not only the rainforest, but the species that call this area their home. I hope to get the chance to one day visit Tanzania and learn even more ways to help make bring about change.