Anyone who knows me knows how much I love animals and how passionate I am about protecting them. So when Jeff Pantukhoff, president and founder of the Whaleman Foundation, approached me about being their spokesperson five years ago, I jumped at the opportunity!

The Whaleman Foundation is a nonprofit organization whose primary mission is to raise public awareness of the issues that affect cetaceans (dolphins, whales, and porpoises) and their ocean habitats through their research, films, and public outreach campaigns.

When I heard about the plight of the whales and the work the Whaleman Foundation was doing, getting involved was a no-brainer for me. I’ve learned so much since becoming a part of the foundation’s efforts. Soon after I agreed to help, Jeff took my mother, Lesley, and me on our very first trip to San Ignacio Lagoon in Baja Mexico, the only undeveloped mating and birthing ground for the California gray whale. It was a truly amazing experience.