Aleksandra’s life purpose is building a world where animals and humans live peacefully and respectfully.
Her life began in former Yugoslavia during a decade long civil war. As a refugee, she relocated through the Balkans where she regretfully witnessed many atrocities against humans and animals. Fortunately, her loving mother kept her safe and fed while living in various war zones.
She had the opportunity to grow up living in several countries. Having been exposed to many diverse cultures and languages from a young age, she has learned about animal welfare issues from a global perspective.
Aleksandra’s affection for animals was immediately apparent from birth. Her earliest memories are rescuing injured wild animals and releasing them back into the wild. To date, she has rescued over 700 dogs from 10 countries, funded the protection and relocation of many species on the verge of extinction and organized international protests against animal exploitation.
For over a decade, she has worked and volunteered with various international animal welfare organizations. This experience convinced her to become a dedicated animal activist and eventually form her own organization, I Stand With My Pack.
Aleksandra also has worked as a theatrical actress, model and a manager. She studied law and speaks several languages.
Aleksandra lives with African Mastiff Hank and Cane Corso Scout. Aleksandra recently became a mother to a human child Margot, who is now the youngest Pack member.
When she rescued a pit bull from a dog fighting ranch 14 years ago, Jasminka instantly knew her life was about to change. As a way of thanking her, this puppy named Lina, her new best furry friend, helped her grow emotionally into a strong and kind person full of love and understanding. Since then she has completed several educational programs related to dog training, dog behaviour and therapy.
Although she has worked as an aesthetician and educational expert in the beauty and wellness industry for 20 years, it was very clear that someday she will become an animal rights activist and the voice of all voiceless creatures, especially those on the verge of extinction.
In the last two years Jasminka became an active Rotary International member, trying to advance goodwill and peace around the world. Originally from Croatia, she is also active in the Balkan region, taking care of abused animals, pressuring the system to comply with the law and, of course, educating people.In 2019 she became a proud I Stand With My Pack international outreach and is doing her best to spread the love and caring for animals around the globe.
Jasminka’s dream to help animals and protect them from human cruelty became even clearer and stronger when she visited Sumatra in 2018. Her special bond with magnificent elephants and intact nature showed her amazing wildlife worth fighting for. Her main mission is making human and animal coexistence easier, leaving this world a little better than she found it.
A Los Angeles native, Elizabeth grew up volunteering with various rescues, and always had a dream of having an animal rescue/sanctuary one day. Her unwavering passion for animals led her to start volunteering on a weekly basis with I Stand With My Pack during the pandemic, and her deep engagement eventually turned into a position as a Foster and Adoption Coordinator.
Known as the artist and songwriter “LIZ” aka “Liz Y2K”, Elizabeth has worked with a variety of household names including Pharrell Williams, Zedd, and Diplo. An ‘underground pop princess’ previously named The First Lady of Mad Decent, Diplo’s sprawling EDM empire – Elizabeth’s penchant for sonic innovation, visual experimentation and the creation of her unique brand of nostalgia indebted bubblegum pop led to a wide range of support from the likes of The Guardian (One To Watch), Noisey, The FADER, Pitchfork, i-D, Stereogum, SPIN, Billboard, PAPER, Line of Best Fit, Clash, MTV and many more.
Elizabeth plans to continue her work in animal welfare for the rest of her life, and in the near future, she hopes her commitment can make an impact not only in her local community, but on a global level.
Riley, an East Coast native, has spent her adult life in positions that allow her to help others. After graduating with her Bachelor’s degree from Loyola Marymount University, Riley spent the next four years teaching kindergarten in Connecticut and New York. She also obtained her Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Johns Hopkins University.
However, she felt like something was missing and eventually found herself working as a Veterinary Assistant at an emergency animal hospital in Portland, Oregon. There, she found her true calling – working with animals and their loving owners during their times of need.
Today, Riley works full-time as a Doctor Assistant Supervisor at an emergency and specialty animal hospital in Hollywood. As someone with three rescue dogs of her own, she was interested in learning more about rescue work, which led her to join the team at ISWMP. Riley works part-time as our Medical Coordinator and loves helping pups get ready to find their forever homes.