Meet Alexis Robertson of Big Lake Humane Society

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexis Robertson

Hi Alexis, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
From a young age, my heart was set on advocating for animals. I vividly remember my early days at 14, volunteering at an animal shelter, where I first witnessed the profound impact of compassion and community support on both animals and the people who care for them. This passion only intensified as I gained hands-on experience at an animal hospital, solidifying my resolve to pursue a career that combined my love for animals with a commitment to public service.
Armed with a degree in public and non-profit administration, I took a leap of faith the day after graduating college. At 24, I stepped into the role of Executive Director at Big Lake Humane Society—a position that not only matched my career aspirations but also challenged me in ways I had never imagined. I found myself navigating the complexities of organizational management, community outreach, and animal rescue operations, all while staying true to the mission that had fueled my journey from the start.
Over the past nine years, every day has been a testament to the power of continuous learning. The work is multifaceted, with challenges ranging from crisis management and fundraising to strategic planning and community engagement. Each obstacle has taught me valuable lessons—not just about the nuances of animal welfare, but also about resilience, leadership, and the importance of fostering collaborative relationships within the field.
What makes this career so uniquely rewarding is its constant evolution. No two days are ever the same; each day brings new insights into the interconnected branches of animal rescue and welfare. I’ve learned that success in this field isn’t measured by individual achievements alone, but by the collective effort of communities and advocates coming together to save lives and make a difference.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
One of the biggest obstacles I face as Executive Director is the constant need to secure funding. As a small, private rescue, we depend entirely on our services and donations to keep our doors open. This responsibility adds a significant layer of complexity to an already demanding role. Every day, while managing operations and making tough decisions that affect both our organization and the animals we serve, I must also strategize ways to raise the funds necessary to continue our mission.
This challenge isn’t just about balancing the books—it’s about finding innovative methods to engage our community and secure sustainable support. Hosting fundraisers, reaching out for donations, and building relationships with local partners are all crucial tasks that must be woven into our daily operations. It’s a constant balancing act between fulfilling our role as a trusted resource for the community and advocating for the support we need to maintain and expand our services.
In essence, while the responsibilities of leadership and operations keep me on my toes every day, the ongoing pursuit of funding is the biggest hurdle, requiring creativity, resilience, and a deep commitment to our cause.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Big Lake Humane Society?
At Big Lake Humane Society, our mission goes far beyond the day-to-day operations of animal rescue—we strive to address the larger, complex ecosystem of animal welfare. I’m proud to have built an organization that not only focuses on our immediate mission but also recognizes the many moving parts that contribute to improving the lives of animals. In our field, success is a collaborative effort: while each organization has its own focus, it’s only by connecting with and learning from one another that we can truly drive systemic change.
I’ve dedicated my time to deepening my understanding of the multifaceted challenges within animal welfare. Whether it’s collaborating with the ASPCA to support legislative improvements, partnering with rescue organizations that specialize in TNR (trap-neuter-return), mill dog rescues, disaster relief, hoarding and cruelty case support, and even animal testing rescues, I’ve come to appreciate the diverse approaches needed to tackle these issues. The problem of overpopulation and the resulting difficult decisions around euthanasia isn’t rooted in a single source—it’s a complex issue that requires a comprehensive and cooperative response.
What sets us apart is our commitment to looking beyond our immediate responsibilities and embracing the broader network of partners who share our passion for animal welfare. My heart is with every animal suffering, and I believe in leaving no stone unturned. At Big Lake Humane Society, we welcome opportunities to collaborate and expand our services, ensuring that we support the bigger picture rather than working in isolation. This holistic approach is not just a strategy—it’s a reflection of our belief that when communities and organizations unite, we can truly make a lasting impact on animal welfare.

Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I don’t really subscribe to the idea of luck—whether good or bad—in shaping my life or the work I do at Big Lake Humane Society. Instead, I believe that hard work, clear intentions, and manifesting a vision through daily effort are what truly drive success. Of course, believing in yourself and seizing opportunities when they arise is critical, and sometimes that mindset might feel like you’ve “gotten lucky.” But in reality, it’s about putting in the work to create your own opportunities.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://biglakehumane.org/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/biglakehumane
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/biglakehumane
• Other: https://tiktok.com/alexisrescues