Meet Hannah Jaime | Executive Director of Helping Paws

We had the good fortune of connecting with Hannah Jaime and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Hannah, Let’s talk about principles and values – what matters to you most?
INTEGRITY. I wholeheartedly believe in keeping my moral compass pointed true north. By doing what’s right, even when no one is looking, you can’t go wrong. In my experience, staying true to your heart can help you navigate through turmoil and adversity. By sticking to your beliefs, compassion will come naturally and determination will follow.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
​I started my career as a multimedia journalist for NBC in Phoenix. I then moved on to be a reporter for ABC in San Diego, where I focused on military reporting. The deadlines and increasing demands from social media made it tough, but it was rewarding when I could use the power of mass communication to help people.

I did a couple stories on Helping Paws and fell in love with the mission to save animals while supporting our troops. In 2018, I left broadcasting and joined Helping Paws, which helps keep military families united with their pets by providing low and no-cost veterinary care for troops and veterans in need.

I signed on as the Executive Director, which was a bit daunting because I had no knowledge of how a 501(c)(3) works. I was determined, and I’ve always been a hard worker, so I rolled up my sleeves and taught myself everything I needed to know (i.e. building budgets, creating and executing marketing plans, grant writing, running payroll and HR, donor management, operations and so much more). We experienced tremendous growth, and I’m proud to say we’ve treated and saved more than 2,600 military pets.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We’re fortunate enough to live by the ocean, so that would be the highlight! We’d spend some time camped out on the beach. We’d enjoy some water sports like paddle boarding and surfing, have some wine at sunset and go to some of the hot new restaurants in Oceanside. I also LOVE to cook, so they’d have full bellies the entire time!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Early on, my parents encouraged me to do what’s right and do what I love. Their love, care and guidance have always filled my heart with joy and instilled confidence in me. I’m also deeply grateful to my husband for his unwavering support. As a L.A. City firefighter, he devotes his life to helping others. His thoughtfulness and selflessness inspire me every day. Janet Walkenhorst, whom I work closely with, has been a tremendous source of support when work gets tough.

Also, as a Board Member of the San Diego Veterans Coalition, I’m surrounded a lot of compassionate people who work diligently to make a difference in veterans’ lives! There are too many to list, but Gary Rossio and Maurice Wilson certainly top my list.

Website: www.helpingpawssandiego.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/helpingpawsfoundation

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/helpingpaws/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Helping_PawsSD

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/helpingpawssandiego

Other: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannahmullins