Episode 8: Lashonda Geffrard

In this powerful episode of Meet the Animal People, Chris Whatling is joined by Lashonda Jafard – founder of Elevate, formerly the Black Pet Business Network – to discuss her inspiring personal journey and the trailblazing work she’s doing to make the pet industry more inclusive and representative.

Lashonda shares how her childhood love for animals turned into a lifelong mission. From building Orlando’s only Black-owned grooming salon to founding an international community for underrepresented pet professionals, her story is a testament to resilience, purpose, and leadership.

Together, Chris and Lashonda explore the challenges faced by Black professionals and others who are often excluded from mainstream pet industry spaces, the need for real allyship, and the incredible impact of creating community. As the founder of The Animal People Recruitment Company, Chris is equally passionate about improving diversity and inclusion across the pet and animal health sectors – making this conversation both meaningful and deeply aligned with his mission.

Whether you're part of the industry, aspiring to break into it, or simply interested in hearing how change is being driven from the inside out – this episode is full of insight, heart, and hope.

🎧 Tune in now to hear from one of the industry’s most important voices.
 🔗 Learn more about Lashonda via Linkedin 👉🏼 linkedin.com/in/lashondageffrard