Philanthropy is a deeply personal journey, one that reflects not just the causes you support but also the values you hold dear. For me, giving back has never been about writing checks or achieving recognition. It has always been about building something meaningful, something that lasts. Sustainable philanthropy is my blueprint for making a difference—one that focuses on creating long-term solutions rather than short-term fixes.

I’ve had the privilege of working in fields as diverse as aviation, real estate development, and animal welfare. Each of these experiences has shaped my approach to philanthropy, teaching me the importance of collaboration, adaptability, and a clear vision. Whether rescuing animals in Baja California through my foundation, Last Hope for Paws, or supporting educational initiatives and community programs, my goal has always been to create systems that empower others and continue to thrive long after I am gone.

Understanding the Meaning of Sustainability

When people hear the term “sustainable philanthropy,” they often think of environmental causes or renewable resources. While these are certainly critical, sustainability in philanthropy goes beyond environmentalism. To me, it’s about creating initiatives that are self-sufficient, scalable, and impactful. It’s about planting seeds that will grow into forests, rather than providing shade for a single day.

Sustainability requires addressing root causes rather than symptoms. For example, in animal rescue, it’s not enough to save one dog or cat. The broader goal must include education, spay-and-neuter programs, and community engagement to reduce the number of animals suffering in the first place. In education, sustainability means creating opportunities that equip young people with the tools they need to succeed, so they can, in turn, uplift others in their communities.

The Role of Passion in Philanthropy

Every philanthropic endeavor I’ve undertaken has been driven by a personal passion. My work with Last Hope for Paws began because I couldn’t ignore the suffering I saw in Baja California. What started as rescuing a few stray dogs quickly turned into a mission to save nearly 1,000 animals. Along the way, I realized that this wasn’t just about the animals—it was about creating a community of compassion and responsibility.

Similarly, my support for education stems from my belief in its transformative power. Growing up in different parts of the world, I saw firsthand how access to knowledge could change lives. Education breaks cycles of poverty, opens doors, and empowers individuals to achieve their potential. For me, investing in education is one of the most sustainable ways to create a brighter future.

Passion is what keeps you going when challenges arise, and challenges will always arise in philanthropy. Whether it’s navigating bureaucracy, securing funding, or dealing with setbacks, passion is the driving force that turns obstacles into opportunities.

The Importance of Collaboration

No one achieves sustainable change alone. Collaboration is at the heart of all successful philanthropic efforts. Over the years, I’ve learned that partnerships are essential to scaling impact and ensuring longevity.

In my work with Last Hope for Paws, I’ve partnered with local veterinarians, shelters, and volunteers on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border. These relationships have allowed us to save more animals than I ever could have imagined when I first started. By working together, we pool our resources, share knowledge, and amplify each other’s efforts.

The same principle applies to other areas of philanthropy. Supporting education, for example, requires working with schools, community leaders, and even governments to create programs that address local needs. Collaboration not only increases the reach of an initiative but also ensures that it remains relevant and effective over time.

Creating a Lasting Impact

Sustainable philanthropy is ultimately about legacy. What will remain after the work is done? How will the world be different because of your efforts? These are questions I ask myself with every project I take on.

For Last Hope for Paws, the legacy I hope to create is one of compassion and accountability. I want the communities we serve to feel empowered to take ownership of animal welfare, to see it not as a problem but as an opportunity to grow together.

In education, my vision is to create pathways for young people to become leaders in their own right. When a student receives a scholarship or mentorship, they aren’t just benefiting themselves—they are creating a ripple effect that will touch their families, communities, and future generations.

Challenges and Opportunities

Of course, no philanthropic journey is without its challenges. One of the biggest obstacles is balancing immediate needs with long-term goals. It can be tempting to focus solely on short-term successes, but true sustainability requires patience and persistence.

Another challenge is ensuring that the initiatives you create are adaptable. The world is constantly changing, and philanthropy must evolve with it. This means listening to the communities you serve, being open to new ideas, and embracing innovation.

Despite these challenges, I am optimistic about the opportunities ahead. Technology, for instance, has the potential to revolutionize how we approach philanthropy, making it easier to connect with people, share resources, and measure impact.

A Personal Commitment

Sustainable philanthropy is not just a strategy—it’s a personal commitment. It’s about being deeply invested in the causes you support and holding yourself accountable for their success. For me, this means staying involved in every aspect of my initiatives, from planning to execution to evaluation.

It also means recognizing that philanthropy is a two-way street. While I may be giving my time, resources, and expertise, I am also receiving something invaluable: the opportunity to learn, grow, and be inspired by the incredible resilience and creativity of the people and animals I work with.

Charting a Path for Future Generations

As I reflect on my journey so far, I am filled with gratitude for the experiences and opportunities that have shaped my approach to philanthropy. I am also excited about what lies ahead. There is still so much work to be done, but I believe that by staying true to the principles of sustainability, passion, and collaboration, we can create lasting change.

My blueprint for sustainable philanthropy is simple: Start with a passion, build partnerships, address root causes, and always keep the bigger picture in mind. Whether it’s rescuing animals, supporting education, or tackling another challenge, the goal is the same—to leave the world a little better than we found it. This is the legacy I hope to create, and I invite others to join me in this journey. Together, we can build a better tomorrow.