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Meet the Team Behind Lew Dog Gives

Who We Are

At Lew Dog Gives, every act of kindness comes from the hearts of volunteers. We’re a 100% volunteer-based nonprofit, proud to help animals of all kinds, all around the world. Together, we stand for those in need — and even more, we’re part of a community that believes in love, hope, and second chances.

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Lewie, the dog, smiling

Meet Lewie

The Inspiration: A Dog Who Loves Cats...and Everyone He Meets

This is Lewie—Holly Mazur's soul dog and constant source of inspiration. Though he crossed the rainbow bridge in 2020, Lewie continues to teach her the true meaning of love, respect, and unwavering loyalty. He embodies the heart of everything we do and reminds us every day to create a better world for animals, people, and the planet we share. He is the heart and soul behind this cause and is truly a working angel behind the scenes.

Holly Mazur

Founder & Lead Animal Advocate: A Girl Who Loves Animals

Holly Mazur is a Colorado girl with a heart full of love for animals and a passion for spreading kindness in the world. After leading global marketing efforts for technology and environmental companies, she now brings that experience to a mission deeply inspired by her soul-dog, Lewie. His love, loyalty, and joyful spirit sparked the creation of Lew Dog Gives.

 

Animals—of all kinds—have been her greatest teachers, reminding her of the joy in simple moments and the power of compassion. Through Lew Dog Gives, Holly is dedicated to inspiring love and respect for animals, people, and our planet. She believes in making the world a gentler, more compassionate place—for every creature who calls it home.

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Lauren LaFortuna

Vice President & Board Member: Runs Global Ops, Cuddles Rottweilers, Saves Animals

Lauren LaFortuna is the Vice President of IT Global Operations at Arrow Electronics, where she focuses on aligning technology with business needs and driving operational efficiency. With a strong background in process design and organizational leadership, she brings both expertise and heart to everything she does.

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She also serves as Vice President on the board of Lew Dog Gives, where she combines her strategic mindset with her lifelong passion for animals.

 

A proud Rottweiler mom to Mila, Lauren is deeply committed to community building and purposeful planning. Through her work with Lew Dog Gives, she helps create a kinder, more connected world—for animals and the people who care for them.

Greg Fritsch

Treasurer & Board Member: Finance Guy. Golden Retriever Dad. Animal Advocate.

Greg Fritsch is the Senior Director of Finance at Comcast, where he’s spent over 25 years leading strategic planning and financial performance across a $17 billion portfolio. With a background in aviation and a strong record of building high-performing teams, Greg brings deep expertise in finance, operations, and ethical stewardship.

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As Treasurer of Lew Dog Gives—and proud dog dad to Baxter (the golden retriever on our cookbook cover) and two wonderful daughters—Greg ensures every donation is managed with care. He’s passionate about giving back and has also served on the boards of Ronald McDonald House Charities and Southwest Early College Charter High School.

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Nancy Harnum, Board member

Nancy Harnum RN, MS, M.Ac

Secretary & Board Member: Healer, Animal Advocate, Heart-Led Human

Nancy Harnum is a licensed acupuncturist and former cardiac surgery nurse who believes deeply in the body’s ability to heal through the balance of mind, body, and spirit. With decades of experience in both Western and Eastern medicine, she brings compassion, insight, and a holistic perspective to everything she does. As Secretary and Board Member of Lew Dog Gives, Nancy is passionate about promoting wellness—for people and animals alike—and supporting a mission rooted in kindness and healing.

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Dr. Deb Patterson

Board Member: Veterinarian, Community Advocate, and Animal Wellness Champion

Dr. Deb Patterson is a dedicated veterinarian and lifelong advocate for animal health. She founded Brooklyn Veterinary Clinic in Castle Rock, Colorado, and over 16 years, expanded it into a thriving, full-service practice with five veterinarians and more than 30 staff members. As part of her vision, she led the development of a new, state-of-the-art hospital to better serve the needs of her community and provide the highest standard of care.

 

After selling the clinic and serving as Medical Director, she continued her work in Colorado Springs before retiring to focus on family and part-time relief work. As a board member of Lew Dog Gives, Dr. Deb contributes extensive veterinary expertise, genuine compassion, and an unwavering dedication to animal welfare.

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Jen Okada

Board Member: Brand Builder, Visual Storyteller, and Designer with Heart

Jen Okada is a multidisciplinary graphic designer with over 20 years of experience helping businesses build strong, recognizable brands. She has worked with both large enterprises and midsize companies, crafting everything from corporate identity systems and print collateral to digital assets, web design, and event graphics. With a sharp eye for design and a strategic mindset, Jen brings creativity and clarity to every project.

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As a board member of Lew Dog Gives, Jen uses her design talents to help visually tell the story of compassion, connection, and animal advocacy—making sure our mission not only speaks to people’s hearts, but looks beautiful doing it.

Join Our Team

Be part of a movement that saves lives. As a 100% volunteer-based nonprofit, we rely on people like you to bring hope to animals in need. To get involved, drop us an email.

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