Angelita (Angel) Sampaio, senior specialist - network partner mobilization

Angelita (Angel) Sampaio is the Senior Specialist - Network Partner Mobilization. She lives in Houston, Texas but is originally from Albuquerque, New Mexico. One of her favorite pastimes is traveling and exploring new places, with Brazil being her all-time favorite home away from home. She is fluent in Portuguese and Spanish. She started out working for Univision game show production in Hollywood, then moved to foreign government affairs and then to Brazilian and Angolan international oil and gas projects. She had the honor of transitioning to the animal welfare industry in 2019, serving in leadership roles with nonprofit animal welfare organizations primarily concentrated on access to veterinary care and high-volume spay & neuter.     
 
Angel’s original three dogs: Buddha, Flora, and Nena are the greatest inspiration for her work in this industry. She rescued them while vacationing in Brazil (2006) and they were her best friends for close to 17 years. Being siblings, they crossed the rainbow bridge around the same time, leaving a huge void in her heart and life. Her home would not be complete without the pitter-patter of four paws on her hardwood floors, so she recently adopted a new pup, Fluffy, from a local Pomeranian rescue group (he is quite the typical Pom and full of energy). She also has a neighborhood cat who has adopted her as one of his many families.  She has fostered over 300 dogs and cats for local Houston rescues.  
 
Angel attended the Best Friends conference in Houston, and was impressed with the knowledgeable speakers, fascinating content, phenomenal staff, and the passion of the various attendees. She left the conference knowing that she wanted and was meant to be a part of this incredible organization. She is thrilled and grateful to join the Best Friends team and embark on this wonderful lifesaving journey!