Janel Griffieth

Janel Griffieth

Consultant, JVR Strategies

Janel Griffieth is a seasoned nonprofit leader with over a decade of expertise in community engagement, organizational development, and animal welfare. She has consistently demonstrated her ability to build strategic relationships with businesses, funders, and community organizations, driving impactful outcomes for marginalized populations.

Janel’s commitment to community well-being is rooted in her educational background, having earned a degree in Public Health from the University of South Florida. It was during her college years that she began her advocacy against domestic violence—another cause she is deeply passionate about. This passion led her to serve as a Community Engagement Manager at a local domestic violence organization, and she continues to champion this issue today. Janel has shared her insights at the Florida Domestic Violence Conference and Maddie’s Fund Community Conversations, where she emphasized the critical role of supporting survivors and their pets.

Her professional journey in animal welfare began in 2015 as a Pet Adoption Specialist. She quickly advanced into leadership roles, ultimately developing and leading a neonatal program that saved thousands of neonatal kittens and puppies, along with hundreds of mother animals. She built the program’s foundation—creating handbooks, policies, and standard operating procedures—ensuring consistency, safety, and sustainability.

Central to her work was building strong volunteer and foster networks, both within the neonatal program and through her broader advocacy efforts, including engaging individuals in domestic violence work that supports survivors and their pets. Janel believes these communities are essential to lifesaving and prioritizes creating inclusive, supportive programs that foster connection and long-term engagement. Her interest in behavior and enrichment further strengthens outcomes for both animals and caregivers.

At the national level, Janel has contributed to efforts that expand participation in animal welfare by engaging people and encouraging local involvement, like connecting with local officials on issues that impact people and animals. She has also supported diverse groups in building and strengthening their own nonprofits, equipping them to create meaningful impact within their communities. Her work is grounded in creating welcoming spaces where people from all backgrounds can see themselves as part of the animal well-being movement.

Beyond her professional achievements, Janel is a devoted animal foster parent, having cared for over 300 animals in her home. She serves as a Strategic Advisor for the Orphan Kitten Club, helping organizations increase lifesaving measures for underaged kittens; a Program Leader for the National Association of Asian American Professionals (NAAAP) Tampa Bay; and a member of the Advisory Committee for Supporting People and Animal Relationships (SPARC), working to change the narratives in animal welfare.

Janel brings strengths in project management, strategic planning, public speaking, and team leadership, with a particular focus on building effective systems that support both people and programs. Known for her strong organization and ability to turn complex challenges into actionable solutions, she excels at creating structure, aligning teams, and driving meaningful, community-centered change.

Janel resides in the Tampa Bay area with her two beloved dogs, Tupac and RZA, and cherishes the memory of her late ‘souldog,’ Dre, whose profound impact continues to shape her life.