Tanya Meyer builds better lives by rescuing animals, connecting people with jobs and serving those too often overlooked.

For Tanya Meyer, success is measured in lives changed, whether they belong to animals in need or people searching for an opportunity.

The 55-year-old is the owner of Hoffmeyer Animal Rescue and president of ACE Staffing Unlimited Inc. She divides her time between volunteering daily at the rescue, caring for its most critical animals in her home and overseeing the administrative side of the staffing company.

“Saving animals and helping people who truly want to work find jobs are both so important to me,” Tanya says.

The reach of both organizations has grown significantly. Since the nonprofit was established, Hoffmeyer Animal Rescue has taken in more than 12,000 animals, while ACE Staffing employs between 600 and 1,200 skilled tradespeople each year.

“Our reach has stretched far beyond what I ever thought possible,” she says.

Some of Tanya’s most meaningful work involves situations that require compassion for animals and people alike. She finds it especially rewarding to help resolve animal-hoarding cases by moving the animals into safer environments while helping residents regain control of their homes and lives.

She also works with homeless camps to provide basic veterinary care and food for pets living alongside their owners.

“I care very much for the homeless pets and their owners and do everything I can to help improve their lives,” Tanya says.

Her work ethic was shaped in part by her mother, who remains active at the staffing company at age 74, and by business partner Debbie Smith, who works daily to place skilled tradespeople. Tanya also credits the animal advocates surrounding her at the rescue.

“I just adore them both,” she says of her mother and Debbie. “At the animal rescue I am surrounded by animal advocates who inspire me immensely every single day and are so incredibly devoted I couldn’t do it without them.”

Despite all she has achieved professionally, Tanya considers raising six daughters with her amazing husband Brandon her greatest accomplishment. Her two youngest graduated cum laude and became adults this year.

“Being a mom has been the biggest job of my life,” she says.

Her advice to future professionals and community leaders reflects the values guiding her own life and work.