Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristina Juarbe López.
Hi Kristina, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Esperanza Animal Rescue Alliance is a nonprofit organization which mission is to provide relief and aid to abandon animals in Puerto Rico through an Alliance of network & support between organizations such as shelters, veterinary clinics, animal rescue groups, sanctuaries, volunteer groups, governmental agencies, and the community at large, to guarantee a humane quality of life to abandoned animals in PR.
The idea/concept for my organization began in 2018 when I moved back to Puerto Rico, after living in Florida for 17 years, right before Hurricane Maria hit the Island. It was then when the reality of the problem hit hard and still does till this day. The overpopulation of stray dogs and cats in PR is overwhelming and it’s becoming a Huge Social problem in the Island.
That’s how the concept of creating a network of Alliances through Animal Rescue Organization, Veterinarians, Layers with Animal rights background, and Governmental Agencies became the only way to address this problem. We all have to unite to be able to work the animal overpopulation problem, mainly through regular TNR (trap/neuter/release) programs and educational guides on the health benefits of neutering your Pet.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has definitely not been a smooth road, but I really can’t complaint. I know that the amount of work that has to be done is a LOT and a very challenging one. One of the struggles/problems that I have seen is the “competitive” aspects within some organizations, specially if they are receiving funding, have contacts with politicians I see a lot of misinformation, in our society, regarding ‘neutering” animals vs. the health benefits of doing so; and that is a BIG problem. Not to mention the amount of abuse reported of pets in households, which is a very sad reality we have in Puerto Rico.
Another obstacle is the lack of resources we have to attend the overpopulation crisis of animals in PR. The Government is not actively involve in this issue, which makes the load fall on non profits, animal rescue groups and the individual members of society that choose to help these animals by making feeding routes and trying to neuter as many as they can. But, without the help of our Mayors and the Governor its a never ending problem. We have to do TNR at a larger scale in order to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My Passion and what I have been crafting for the past 20+ (since I was 13) is Photography, with a big interest in Portraiture. In addition to photography, Animal warfare has always been a very important social issue for me; making it one of the biggest passions in my Life and seeing it become a reality through Esperanza an Animal Rescue Alliance.
I am professional Portrait and Wedding Photographer, specializing and being known for Studio and Commercial work.
I really enjoy the one-on-one environment you have to create in order to be able to capture the essence of that person, object or place. Its a sentiment very dear to me. It’s a very personal creation.
The thing that I am most proud of would be the Artist I have become. I have learned, throughout time, how to stay true to myself. I’ve learned to create art through my essence, making it an extension of who I am. Because of my work in photography the path and journey to my non profit began and gave me the opportunity to now a days have Esperanza an Animal Rescue Alliance incorporated as a non profit organization in PR.
I am a very emotional and passionate person and I believe it shows in my work, as much in my photography as in my rescue efforts for Esperanza an Animal Rescue Alliance. I know that is one of the things that sets me apart….and the fact that, the sentence, that follows every time someone asks my name is: “Kristina with a K”. Definitely sets me apart from a lot of people 🙂
You can see my work at:
Esperanza an Animal Rescue Alliance: https://esperanzapr.org/
Photography: www.kjpstudios.co
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
How to Win Friends and Influence People – Book by Dale Carnegie PPA has always been a strong source of education in my path.
CreativeLive – Photography Learning Platform.
The 5am Book Club.
Peloton App (changed my life).
Pricing:
- Studio Sessions begin at $599
- Wedding Collections begin at $2,800
- 1/2 Day Bookings begin at $1,500
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kjpstudios.co
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kjp.studios/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kristinajuarbe/#
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristina-juarbe-l%C3%B3pez-1967118a/
