Colorado Animal Welfare Conference Session
Unpacking the Hidden Impact of Bias: Building Inclusive Animal Welfare Practices from Shelter to Community
1:15-2:30pm - August 18, 2026
City Lights 1
Leadership
Unconscious bias shapes how we see and interact with people and animals. In animal welfare, these hidden attitudes can influence our perceptions of adoptability criteria, community engagement, staff relationships, and even behavior. In this session, we will unpack unconscious bias as it relates to the animals in our care, to our employees, volunteers, and potential adopters. Through guided reflection, real-world examples, and interactive discussion, participants will explore how bias can impact decision-making across every level of our work. We will identify assumptions tied to breed, socioeconomic status, or communication style, and discuss strategies to mitigate them. Attendees will leave with practical tools to build awareness, cultivate inclusivity, and strengthen trust within their organizations and communities. By recognizing and addressing unconscious bias, we can create more equitable outcomes for both humans and animals; fostering a culture of compassion, respect, and belonging in animal welfare.
Rachel Levine
Rachel Levine is the director of people development for Humane Colorado. In her career, she has worked extensively in human resources and leadership training and development in both for-profit and non-profit organizations. Levine currently serves on the board of directors for the Denver Language School, on the DEI Council for the Association for Animal Welfare Advancement, and is a commissioner for the Nonprofit Engagement Commission and the Women’s Commission for the City and County of Denver. She has a B.A. and M.A. from the University of Colorado and an M.Phil from the University of Cambridge. Levine lives in Denver with her husband Michael, their two daughters, and three rescue dogs .