Meet Nicole Adkins | Corporate Giving Administrator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nicole Adkins and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nicole, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
My journey to Animal Friends Alliance has been an exciting and fulfilling one! I’ve always sought out careers that allow me to explore my creativity while also making a positive impact on the world. My undergraduate degree is in fashion merchandising, and I spent a few years working in the fashion industry before realizing I wanted a role that combined creativity with a deeper sense of purpose. That led me back to school, where I earned my master’s degree in education.

For the next 12 years, I taught first graders and trained teachers in technology and early childhood education. While I loved teaching, I knew at the end of the last school year that I was ready for a change. I’ve always been passionate about doing work that makes the world a better place, so I made a list of the things I love—and animals were at the top. A quick Google search for animal-related jobs in Fort Collins led me straight to Animal Friends Alliance. I applied, and the rest is history!

I’m incredibly grateful to work for an organization that not only fuels my creativity but also allows me to build relationships and support animals and families in our community. As the Corporate Giving Administrator, my primary focus is securing business partners and sponsors, which means I get to connect with so many inspiring people. I also love that Animal Friends Alliance values education and growth, allowing me to explore different facets of the organization.

One of my favorite parts of the job is helping plan fundraising events. Right now, we’re gearing up for our Gala for Animals on May 3, with a Treats at Tiffany’s theme. It has been so much fun working with sponsors, planning décor and flowers, and ensuring it’s a night to remember. No two days are ever the same, and I’m constantly learning from the compassionate and intelligent people I work with. It’s truly a dream job that blends creativity, connection, and purpose—while making a meaningful difference in our community.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My journey to Animal Friends Alliance has been one filled with love, learning, and a deep desire to make the world a better place. I started my professional path with an undergraduate degree in fashion merchandising and spent a few years working in the fashion industry. While I loved the creative aspects, I soon realized I wanted more from my career—I wanted to do work that truly made a difference. That realization led me back to school, where I earned my master’s degree in early childhood education.

For the next twelve years, I dedicated myself to teaching first graders and training educators in early childhood education and instructional technology. After the 2023–2024 school year, my husband and I made a big life change—we sold our home, bought an RV, and traveled across the United States before landing in Fort Collins and falling in love with the area and community. At that point, I knew I was ready for a new chapter outside of education, but I still wanted to do work that had a meaningful impact.

I sat down and made a list of the things I love, and at the top of that list was animals. A quick Google search for animal-related jobs in Fort Collins led me to a marketing position at Animal Friends Alliance. After researching the organization, I was blown away by the incredible work they do in Northern Colorado. I refreshed my resume and cover letter and applied that same day. Within a few hours, I received a call from HR, who—after reviewing my experience—thought I’d be an even better fit for the Corporate Giving Administrator role. I said yes, interviewed the next day, and the rest is history!

I truly believe that everything happens for a reason, and I was meant to be part of the Animal Friends Alliance family. Looking back, I’m especially grateful for how things worked out—turns out, I’m much better suited for corporate giving than marketing, especially since I don’t even know how to work the fancy camera we use!

As Corporate Giving Administrator, my primary focus is securing business partnerships and finding sponsors for our events. At first, I was a little intimidated, not coming from a sales background. But I quickly realized that at its core, this role—like any job—is all about relationships. Every day, I have the privilege of connecting with fascinating, compassionate, and kind people who are doing amazing things in their own industries and want to support animals and families in our community.

By far, my favorite part of this job is building those relationships—not only to help the animals in our care but also to create meaningful partnerships that support local businesses. And of course, getting to visit and love on the animals at the shelter is always a highlight of my day!

I am incredibly thankful that Animal Friends Alliance took a chance on me. It’s a privilege to be part of this organization, and I feel so proud of the impact our team makes in the community every single day.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I actually just had a dear friend visit from back home, and we had the most magical time exploring Fort Collins and Loveland. Our first day was packed with adventure, delicious food, and unforgettable moments.

We started the morning with a slow hike at Horsetooth, taking in the stunning colors of the sunrise and chatting about life—dreaming up all the ways we’re going to change the world. After working up an appetite, we headed to Old Town for brunch at Ginger and Baker. She has a sweet tooth and went for the pancakes, while I’m more of a savory person and had the mac and cheese—highly recommend!

From there, we wandered the charming streets of Old Town, popping into some of my favorite boutiques. Ivy Boutique and Muse Clothing Boutique are must-visits for fashion finds, and Stardust is a treasure trove for unique gifts. We also stopped by Ku Cha House of Tea for a cozy drink, browsed books at Old Firehouse Books, and even got a tarot reading at Crystal Joys, which was such a fun and unique experience.

By late afternoon, we were ready to relax with a cocktail, so we headed to the rooftop Sunset Lounge at the Elizabeth Hotel. There, we sipped delicious drinks, indulged in a charcuterie board, and watched the sun set over the Front Range—a truly magical moment. On the way home, we took a scenic drive through Poudre Canyon, soaking in the beauty of Colorado.

We ended the night in the best way possible: comfy jammies, facemasks, and reminiscing about the perfect day.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to give a huge shoutout and heartfelt thanks to all of my coworkers at Animal Friends Alliance who have made me feel so welcome and supported from day one. You are all absolute rockstars in your field, and it is truly a gift to learn from and work alongside you each day. Your passion, dedication, and compassion inspire me constantly, and I am so grateful to be part of such an incredible team.

Website: https://www.savinganimalstoday.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/animalfriendsalliance/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnimalFriendsAlliance/