Emily Marquez-Dulin: Leading the Charge for Animal Welfare and Community Resilience
How Brooke USA Foundation is Transforming Lives, Equine and Human Alike
Non-profit organizations often carry the noble responsibility of shaping society for the better. Some dedicate themselves to educating underserved communities, while others provide housing, food, and employment opportunities. Yet, there’s an area that often gets overlooked, animal welfare. While humans readily recognize their dependence on food, shelter, and livelihoods, few stop to consider the animals, especially working equines, that play a pivotal role in sustaining those very systems.
At the helm of this conversation stands Emily Marquez-Dulin, the first CEO of Brooke USA Foundation, a trailblazing non-profit headquartered in Lexington, KY. The foundation is devoted to uplifting vulnerable communities worldwide by funding and implementing programs focused on the welfare of horses, donkeys, and mules. These initiatives not only improve the lives of animals but also create a ripple effect that strengthens households, economies, and entire communities.
For Emily, championing this cause has been more than just a career; it has been a mission defined by resilience, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to both people and animals.
Turning Challenges Into Opportunities
When Emily stepped into her leadership role, she faced what many would consider overwhelming obstacles. Building Brooke USA from the ground up required setting operational systems, crafting fundraising strategies, securing corporate registrations across states, and identifying key markets. For Emily, however, each obstacle presented an opportunity to innovate.
Though she had an extensive background in animal welfare, her prior focus had been on cats and dogs. Horses, donkeys, and mules represented a new world, one she quickly embraced. Immersing herself in equestrian disciplines such as dressage, eventing, and show jumping, Emily not only grasped the nuances of the field but also built strong relationships with leading riders and Olympians.
The years 2020 and 2021 brought the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. With communities in crisis and equines being abandoned, Emily pivoted swiftly, creating emergency relief funds to support equine rescues. Out of this came the Brooke USA Bridge Grants, a permanent initiative that provides expedited micro-grants to organizations in crisis. By turning a global disaster into a chance for innovation, Emily ensured that both animals and the people who rely on them were supported in their most critical moments.
A Breakthrough in Fundraising
One of the organization’s most defining moments came in March 2016 with the launch of Brooke USA’s Sunset Polo® & White Party in Wellington, Florida, the Winter Equestrian Capital of the World. The event drew nearly 1,000 attendees and gave Brooke USA unprecedented visibility among equestrian influencers, philanthropists, and potential donors.
The event not only connected the organization with new supporters but also highlighted an important truth: fundraising events are often the first point of entry for future donors. Since then, Brooke USA has replicated its success by hosting a variety of events across the country, each one creating new networks of support and awareness.
Fostering a Culture of Creativity and Collaboration
Emily’s leadership style is rooted in the belief that innovation is born from inclusivity and open dialogue. She fosters an environment where employees are encouraged to think creatively, propose disruptive solutions, and feel valued for their contributions.
Though the staff is relatively small, its diversity, spanning generations, experiences, and perspectives, has become one of its greatest strengths. Different viewpoints spark new ideas, help balance decisions, and foster a sense of ownership among the team. This culture of collaboration has contributed directly to increased revenue streams, reduced expenditures, and strengthened commitment across the board.
Leveraging Technology for Impact
For Brooke USA, technology is more than a tool; it is the backbone of operations. From Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software to data analytics, the organization relies on tech-driven insights to manage donor relations, streamline compliance, and measure program outcomes.
Data analytics, in particular, allows Emily’s team to evaluate the impact of every program, ensuring that donor funds are allocated responsibly and effectively. Tools like Zoom and Microsoft Teams have also transformed the way Brooke USA engages with supporters, providing the invaluable ability to read body language and form deeper connections even from a distance.
Emily emphasizes that while technology enhances efficiency, it is human connection that drives fundraising. By blending data-driven strategies with authentic relationships, Brooke USA has created a model that is both modern and deeply personal.
The Power of Listening
One of the cornerstones of Emily’s leadership is her ability to listen, truly listen. This skill has allowed her to adapt to changing environments, respond to donor concerns, and remain flexible in operations. Board members, volunteers, staff, and supporters all play an active role in advising on opportunities and threats, ensuring that Brooke USA remains relevant and resilient in a rapidly changing world.
Listening has also cultivated an atmosphere of trust and transparency. For Emily, building trust within the team and with donors is non-negotiable. Transparency, ethical practices, and accountability are embedded into every aspect of Brooke USA’s operations, reinforcing its credibility in the philanthropic landscape.
Continuous Learning and Industry Adaptation
Emily stays ahead of the curve by committing to lifelong learning. She regularly attends professional conferences, engages in webinars, reviews industry publications, and even teaches at colleges and universities to exchange insights. This constant influx of knowledge helps her stay informed about industry trends, donor expectations, and emerging best practices.
Her emphasis on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is another reflection of her forward-thinking leadership. By cultivating diverse teams, Emily ensures that Brooke USA benefits from varied perspectives and avoids the pitfalls of groupthink. DEI has also helped the organization connect with wider markets and build stronger, more inclusive support networks.
Signature Events That Inspire
Among Brooke USA’s many successful initiatives, one stands out for its unique blend of culture and community: Divertimentos & Dressage™. This signature event features a live symphony orchestra performing classical pieces synchronized with the choreographed movements of elite dressage riders and their horses.
The event is not only visually stunning but also deeply symbolic of the harmony between humans and animals, a core message of Brooke USA’s mission. What began in one community has now expanded, with plans to bring the event to six more cities within the next year. It exemplifies how creativity, passion, and collaboration can capture the hearts of audiences while advancing a greater cause.
A Legacy of Compassion and Innovation
Emily Marquez-Dulin’s leadership is a story of resilience, vision, and dedication to both people and animals. From building Brooke USA from the ground up to steering it through crises and creating innovative fundraising models, she has demonstrated what it means to lead with compassion and creativity.
Her philosophy is simple yet profound: trust, adaptability, inclusivity, and continuous learning are the keys to success. By embodying these principles, Emily has positioned Brooke USA as a powerful force for good, one that not only uplifts animals but also strengthens the communities that depend on them.
As Emily often says, “The well-being of animals and people is intertwined. When one thrives, so does the other.”
With her at the helm, Brooke USA is not just ensuring healthier, happier equines; it is building a more sustainable, compassionate, and resilient world for all.
