Lisa Blanco is the Co-Founder and Director of Philanthropy at NYC Second Chance Rescue, a New York City-based nonprofit dedicated to saving the lives of dogs and cats by pulling them off municipal shelter euthanasia lists, providing urgent medical care, and matching them with loving adoptive homes.
From an early age, Lisa’s lifelong passion for animals was ignited by her uncle’s dog, Jasper — a cherished companion who provided her comfort during her youth. That connection ultimately guided her toward animal rescue and advocacy.
In 2007, a chance meeting with high-school acquaintance Jennifer Brooks — founder of NYC Second Chance Rescue — opened Lisa’s eyes to the harsh reality facing shelter animals in New York City. She visited a kill-shelter and witnessed firsthand the urgency of the need. That moment spurred the collaboration that led to the founding of the organization.
Lisa’s role focuses on forging philanthropic partnerships, cultivating donor support, and expanding the reachable impact of the rescue’s mission. Under her leadership, the organization has helped more than 15,000 dogs and cats since its inception in 2009.
She emphasizes not just adoption, but also community support: Lisa and her team launched a free pet-food pantry and medical assistance service aimed at helping families in need stay together with their pets — reducing shelter burden and strengthening the human-animal bond.
As an expert on pet rescue, animal welfare in urban settings, and philanthropy in the pet space, Lisa brings to ELYSIAN a deeply grounded, compassionate, and strategic perspective on how pets enrich our lives — especially within the context of high-impact advocacy, luxury living, and meaningful community engagement.
We’re delighted to introduce Lisa as our Pets Subject Matter Expert, bringing her real-world experience and resonant voice to our readers who value both elevated living and heartfelt purpose.