In her role as Alliance spokesperson, Stephanie is sometimes accompanied by her own beloved rescue dog, a Japanese Chin named Keiko, as she was at the first annual Remember Me Thursday event held in September 2013. (Photo by reFABRICATION)With proud family, friends, and professional colleagues cheering her on, Stephanie Mattera, the Spokesperson for the Alliance, accepted the Bart Lawson Alumni Award for Professional Service and Outreach for her work on behalf of the Alliance at a recent award luncheon held by New York University’s School of Continuing and Professional Studies. The award is given annually to an NYU alumnus who, using their expertise and experience, has demonstrated a dedication to service in the area of community outreach.
Stephanie, who is a public relations and communications professional with a B.A. in English and an M.B.A. in Global Business Leadership, received her M.S. in Public Relations and Corporate Communications from NYU in 2009. While pursuing the degree, Stephanie, a lifelong animal lover who recalls growing up in a house full of rescued animals who were all considered members of the family, began to think of “putting my passion for animals into more strategic focus and into doing something more tangible.” That desire led her to volunteer with the Alliance, where her enthusiasm and natural ability to communicate with the public led then-volunteer coordinator Barbra Tolan to quickly recommend Stephanie to become the organization’s spokesperson, a role Stephanie assumed in 2010.
In her acceptance speech for receiving the Bart Lawson Alumni Award for Professional Service and Outreach from NYU, Stephanie thanked Alliance Founder and President Jane Hoffman for “empowering me to use my voice as the organization’s spokesperson.” (Photo by Thea Feldman)“The passion and love for animals that Stephanie brings to her volunteer role as a spokesperson for the Alliance is evident each time she speaks on behalf of the Alliance, whether at events, with media, or with potential adopters or partners,” says Alliance Founder and President, Jane Hoffman. “We are privileged to have such a poised and articulate member of our team and an extremely effective advocate for our mission.”
Stephanie has represented the Alliance in numerous print and broadcast interviews and has appeared at many events, including Adoptapalooza and Whiskers in Wonderland, as Alliance spokesperson, emcee, or host.
Stephanie has also managed to put another of her passions — fashion, particularly as a vehicle for self-expression and empowerment — to work for the Alliance. More than two years ago, she forged a partnership between Charity by Design, a division of lifestyle brand Alex and Ani, and the Alliance to create a unique charm bangle with the Alliance’s paw print logo. For each bangle sold, Alex and Ani donates a portion of the proceeds to the Alliance. To date, the Alliance has received more than $200,000 in donations from the sale of the bangle, all of which goes directly toward helping companion animals.
Stephanie’s passion for animals and for fashion as a vehicle for self-expression led to the creation of this exclusive Alex and Ani charm bangle with the Alliance paw print logo.From her perspective, Stephanie is, of course, pleased that her efforts have resulted in benefits for the Alliance, but for her, “Charity and volunteerism are my passion. They give me a great sense of fulfillment.” In her acceptance speech at the awards luncheon (which can be viewed in its entirety in the video below), she thanked NYU for recognizing the value of community service. “I have always believed in the value of education,” she added, “and that it is not only an investment in yourself, but also in your community.” Stephanie’s investment is clearly paying off for NYC companion animals in need.
