I’m incredibly proud to introduce Susan Peirce—one of my closest friends, a fierce advocate for animals, and the Secretary of our Board at the Human Wildlife Coexistence Initiative.

Susan is one of those rare people who simply cannot turn away when an animal is suffering. Her compassion isn’t abstract, it’s lived, hands on, and deeply personal. In 2008, that compassion led her to a starving, beaten Thoroughbred filly abandoned at a run-down stable. With no one willing to help and the horse facing a grim end, Susan stepped in. Armed with determination, a red bucket, and a car full of carrots, she spent hours earning that terrified horse’s trust. She named her Harlow—and in that moment, made a promise that would change countless lives.

Not long after, Susan returned to that same stable and found even more horses suffering from severe neglect. One horse, Gracie, was beyond saving. Making the heartbreaking decision to let her go with dignity and mercy became the moment Susan drew a line in the sand. From that loss, Red Bucket Equine Rescue was born—built on the belief that rescue is only the beginning, and that animals deserve not just survival, but safety, healing, and a true second chance.

Through Red Bucket Equine Rescue, Susan has helped save and rehabilitate hundreds of horses, built a sustainable rescue model, and even secured a permanent ranch owned by the horses themselves. But what matters most to me is who Susan is at her core: someone who leads with empathy, resilience, and an unshakable sense of responsibility toward animals who cannot speak for themselves.

Susan’s values align deeply with the mission of the Human Wildlife Coexistence Initiative. She understands conflict, loss, and hard decisions, and she also understands what’s possible when people choose compassion over convenience. Her voice, integrity, and lived experience strengthen our work in immeasurable ways, and I am profoundly grateful to have her standing beside me as we work to create a future where people and wildlife can coexist and thrive.