EPISODE 26:
LINDSEY KAY

Lindsey Kay is a social entrepreneur, animal rescue advocate, casual artist, and avid reader whose work has left a lasting mark on New Mexico and beyond.

In 2010, Lindsey founded Paws and Stripes, a groundbreaking Albuquerque-based nonprofit that provides service dogs and mental health support for veterans and their families. Under her leadership, the organization grew from a small startup into a nationally recognized model in the service dog and veteran wellness space. She served as Executive Director for over a decade, guiding its mission with heart and innovation.

Lindsey holds a master’s degree in Social Work with a focus on Leadership and Administration from New Mexico Highlands University. A lifelong advocate for community well-being, she transitioned in 2024 to serve as Vice President of Client Services at WESST, an organization committed to anti-racism, women's empowerment, and economic equity for BIPOC and marginalized communities. As of March 2025, she serves as WESST's CEO, continuing her commitment to systemic change and inclusive entrepreneurship across New Mexico.

Her work has been recognized with numerous honors, including:

·       2013 Association of Fundraising Professionals’ Young Nonprofit Professional of the Year

·       2015 Glamour Magazine’s New Mexico Hometown Hero

·       Forty Under 40 (Under 30), 2015

·       2015 Red Cross Real Heroes Award

·       2018 C-Suite Award for Nonprofit CEO

·       2023 Woman of Influence

Lindsey was also featured in the 2014–15 A&E docu-series Dogs of War, which followed the journey of veterans, families, and the Paws and Stripes team.