Meet Our Dedicated Team
President and Founder
Karol is the dedicated founder and president of #FARA, leading with a deep commitment to compassion, advocacy, and community building.
In addition to her leadership role, Karol is a devoted mother to three children and shares her home with six cats, two dogs, and her cherished pig, Laz. She also fosters animals in need, including a rabbit and two ducks. With 19 years of marriage to a veteran, she embodies a lifelong dedication to service, advocating for both human and animal rights.
A passionate activist and legal enthusiast, Karol’s journey toward veganism began nearly eight years ago after a documentary opened her eyes to the realities of animal exploitation. Since then, she has actively engaged in advocacy efforts with organizations such as @AnonymousfortheVoiceless, @SoFloAnimalRights, @PETA, @AnimalRightsFoundationofFlorida, and @AnimalActivismMentorship.
For Karol, activism is more than a belief it is action. Whether through rescue efforts, animal transport, or legislative advocacy, she leads by example, fostering a collaborative movement for change.
Beyond her advocacy work, Karol enjoys traveling, reconnecting with her Costa Rican roots, and riding her motorcycle alongside her husband and fellow @Litas members. Her unwavering dedication and compassionate leadership continue to inspire and drive meaningful impact.
VP and Financial Director
Dr. Lopez brings a wealth of experience, dedication, and heart to the Florida Animal Rescue Alliance (FARA) as our VP and Financial Director. An Army veteran who has served overseas, he has witnessed both the hardships and resilience of those in need, providing care and support to people during some of their most vulnerable moments.
With a Doctor of Pharmacy degree, his expertise extends far beyond finances. ”his passion for helping others shines through in everything he does. At FARA, he plays a vital role in keeping our operations running smoothly, often working behind the scenes to ensure we can continue making a difference for animals in need.
Outside of his work, Dr. Lopez is a motorcycle enthusiast who loves spending time with his wife, kids, and their lively family of 11 animals. He has a deep love for travel and new experiences, always approaching life with curiosity and a desire to make the world a better place.
Marketing Director
Nicole is our head of marketing and a dedicated volunteer with animals. She tackles website design and donation strategies, liaising with activists, volunteers and vendors to support our mission. Nicole’s passion drives impactful change for our cause.
We asked Nicole a few questions and here’s what she said:
“I have been a passionate animal lover since childhood, sparked by my first cat from my grandfather at age three. I discovered the truth about meat at seven, and then stumbled upon an article by PETA in a magazine in my teens, leading me to advocate against animal cruelty through organizations like #PETA. I became vegetarian as a teenager and later transitioned into veganism. I have volunteered extensively at animal shelters and sanctuaries in addition to rescuing numerous stray, abused and injured animals. I have raised my two boys with a vegan lifestyle, fostering deep connections with animals. In 2023, I founded the company Green Vegan Bags last year to offer a wide variety of eco-friendly, cruelty-free purses made from sustainable materials by women-owned companies. My goal is to show everyone that there are so many vegan options that do not need to harm animals to get a fantastic bag. I am committed to making compassionate fashion easily accessible and available to everyone”.
Apart from this, Nicole is extremely active and loves the beach. She enjoys spending time with her kids and pets.
Director of Programs and Operations
Kate
Animal Welfare Operations Director
Grace is our Animal Welfare Operations Director. She has spent the last decade working in the veterinary and animal rescue field with a variety of species. After completing her bachelor's of science in zoology, she went on to get certified as a veterinary assistant. Over the years she has fostered many litters of neonatal kittens, senior dogs, and an assortment of small animals who needed a soft place to land before they went to their forever home. Grace is not only passionate about companion animal care and commonly farmed animals, but also takes a special interest in wildlife and aquatic life. In her free time she enjoys diving, kayaking, and spending time with her menagerie of rescued animals.
Director & D.V.M advisor
Dr. Forteza
Director
F. Jean
Social Media Manager
Taylor is the creative force behind our social media presence, driving our mission forward with passion and dedication. Her love for animals fuels her advocacy efforts, making a real difference in the lives of countless creatures.
We ask Taylor to share with us more about her journey, and here’s what she had to say:
“Throughout my life, my love for animals has been unwavering. It all started when I began volunteering at animal shelters around the age of 10, helping with adoption events. Those experiences left a lasting impact on me and ignited a passion for animal welfare.
During my teenage years, I stumbled upon a video on Instagram showing the horrific abuse of a dairy calf in a veal crate. It was a wake-up call for me, and I delved into researching the meat and dairy industry. That’s when I came across the documentary Dominion. Just three minutes into the film, I made the decision to go vegan, and I’ve never looked back since.
Since then, I’ve been actively involved in animal rights advocacy, participating in protests and outreach efforts in the Nashville area. My belief is simple: animals deserve freedom and the right to live their lives on their own terms. And I’ll never stop fighting for their rights.”
Taylor’s unwavering commitment to animal welfare is truly inspiring, and we’re grateful to have her leading our social media efforts. Join us in thanking Taylor for her dedication and passion!
Social Media Strategist
Mikayla
Education Coordinator
Maggy is a Certified Humane Education Specialist and founder of EverydayHUMANE, the first bilingual comprehensive humane education program in South Florida. Maggy has over 15 years’ experience working with children and youth both as a classroom teacher and humane educator. She is the 2017 PETA Teacher of the Year. Her humane education programs have reached thousands of children in South Florida with the mission of fostering compassion, empathy, and respect for all beings. Maggy has been involved in the animal welfare community both domestic and abroad through rescue, caretaking/Reiki energy healing, and advocacy.
Head of creative design
Yaidy is the Head of Creative Design as she is a seasoned textile/product designer with over ten years of experience in creating innovative and functional designs. Passionate about using her skills for a greater cause, she is currently volunteering with the FARA nonprofit organization to raise awareness and support meaningful initiatives, driven by her love for animals. Outside of her professional work, Yaidy enjoys reading, particularly fantasy novels, cooking up new recipes, staying active through regular exercise, and exploring new destinations through travel.
Project Construction Manager
Jesus serves as the Project Construction Manager for the Florida Animal Rescue Alliance (FARA), blending his lifelong passions for animals and construction. Beginning his construction career at 16, he has held roles ranging from warehouse worker to Vice President of Project Management. Four years ago, Jesus founded his own business specializing in interior builds for retail stores and commercial businesses. He takes a hands-on approach to all projects, especially those aimed at creating better lives for both animals and humans. Joining FARA was a perfect fit, allowing him to apply his lifelong skills to an amazing cause. In his free time, Jesus enjoys traveling the world, hiking, and visiting nature’s most beautiful sites.
Our Journey in Photos