Social Impact Heroes: Why & How Nicole Navarro Of Pawsitive Beginnings Is Helping To Change Our World
An Interview With Stanley Bronstein
You won’t be able to save them all — and it will break your heart. You won’t be able to save them all — and it will break your heart in ways you didn’t know were possible. I’ve had to make impossible decisions, knowing some animals wouldn’t make it out of the system, and carrying that weight is something no one prepares you for — but I remind myself that for the ones I can save, their whole world changes.
As part of my series about “individuals and organizations making an important social impact”, I had the pleasure of interviewing Nicole Navarro.
Nicole Navarro is the founder and executive director of Pawsitive Beginnings, a fox sanctuary and nonprofit based in the Florida Keys. After overcoming personal struggles with addiction and trauma, Nicole was inspired to create a healing space where both rescued foxes and humans could rediscover trust, purpose, and hope. Today, Pawsitive Beginnings uses the power of storytelling and animal-assisted therapy to support trauma survivors, at-risk youth, and first responders — transforming pain into purpose, one fox at a time.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Can you tell us a story about what brought you to this specific career path?
It wasn’t a straight path — it was more like a winding road with some serious potholes. My own healing journey from addiction and trauma is what inspired Pawsitive Beginnings. I was at one of the lowest points in my life when I met two rescued foxes in Key West, and something in them just cracked me wide open. They had been through so much and yet were still capable of connection, curiosity, and trust. That moment planted the seed for everything I do now. I realized if these animals — often misunderstood, exploited, and discarded — could still find purpose, then maybe I could too.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began leading your company or organization?
I would say one of the most amazing things that’s happened since founding Pawsitive Beginnings is seeing how the Florida Keys community rallied around us — and around the foxes. The fur trade isn’t something people in South Florida talk about often, let alone know much about. But once we started sharing the truth about where these animals come from and what they’ve endured, people leaned in. Law enforcement, educators, kids, business owners — they all got engaged. The fact that our small island community has become a powerful voice against the fur trade has been one of the most unexpected and inspiring parts of this journey.
It has been said that our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
I’m not sure it was a mistake exactly, but when I first started, I treated the foxes like newborns — literally. I would stay up all night watching them on camera to make sure they were okay, eating properly, and not plotting an escape. I was terrified of doing something wrong. I barely slept, constantly checked on them, and probably gave myself more anxiety than necessary. Looking back, I laugh because I really was like a new mom: overprotective, overcaffeinated, and overwhelmed. The lesson? Trust yourself. Preparation is important, but so is rest — and the animals are often more resilient than we give them credit for.
Can you describe how you or your organization is making a significant social impact?
We take in foxes from some of the worst imaginable conditions — fur farms, the exotic pet trade, and neglect. But our impact goes far beyond animal rescue. Through our animal-assisted therapy program, we work with trauma survivors, at-risk youth, law enforcement, and first responders. The stories of these foxes — many born in wire cages, discarded for their coat color, or maimed by stress — are incredibly powerful mirrors for people navigating their own pain. We help them reconnect with hope, purpose, and compassion, which ripples out into the community in ways I never imagined.
Can you tell us a story about a particular individual who was impacted or helped by your cause?
One of the most powerful moments was when a young girl from the Florida Keys Children’s Shelter came to visit the sanctuary. She had survived horrific abuse and hadn’t spoken to anyone. I had just taken in a baby fox rescued from the fur trade, and when I placed that tiny fox in her arms, something shifted. She started talking to the fox — whispering, then laughing — and slowly opened up to her counselor. That child became the first of more than 300 kids who’ve visited since. That day reminded me that healing doesn’t always start with words; sometimes it starts with presence and empathy.
Are there three things the community/society/politicians can do to help you address the root of the problem you are trying to solve?
- Ban the sale of new fur in the state of Florida. Animals are still being bred and killed for fashion in this country, and it’s time we put an end to it.
- Regulate the exotic pet trade. Foxes are not pets — they are wild animals with complex needs. They should not be bought, sold, or bred for profit.
- Support trauma-informed mental health programs that integrate nature and animal-assisted therapy. Healing doesn’t look the same for everyone, and we need more creative, holistic approaches.
How do you define “Leadership”? Can you explain what you mean or give an example?
To me, leadership means showing up — especially when it’s uncomfortable. It means being the first to speak out when something is wrong and the last to leave when someone needs help. Leadership is also about humility — recognizing that you don’t have all the answers and being willing to learn from others, whether it’s a child in crisis or a fox with a story to tell.
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why.
- You won’t be able to save them all — and it will break your heart.
You won’t be able to save them all — and it will break your heart in ways you didn’t know were possible. I’ve had to make impossible decisions, knowing some animals wouldn’t make it out of the system, and carrying that weight is something no one prepares you for — but I remind myself that for the ones I can save, their whole world changes. - Your mission will be questioned. Stay grounded anyway.
I’ve had people doubt me, mock me, and even threaten me. But I remind myself why I started — and who I’m doing this for. - Rest is not optional.
Compassion fatigue is real, and that’s why I intentionally schedule time to recharge and protect my own peace. - Ask for help. Often.
I used to think I had to prove I could do it alone. I’ve learned that strength is asking for support — and accepting it. - Keep receipts, literally and figuratively.
From finances to screenshots, keep your records straight. Running a nonprofit means wearing 10 hats — and one of those hats is PR crisis manager.
You are a person of enormous influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
A movement rooted in radical empathy. I want to see schools, shelters, and even courtrooms incorporate animal-assisted programs that center healing through connection. If we taught compassion as early and as often as we teach math, I truly believe we’d see less violence, less addiction, and more community.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
The wound is the place where the light enters you.” — Rumi.
That quote carried me through the darkest parts of my life. I used to be ashamed of my trauma, but now I understand it gave me the empathy and fire to help others. The cracks are where the healing begins.
Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would like to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. 🙂
Dr. Jane Goodall. She’s spent her life advocating for those whose voices have been silenced and has never lost her gentle, determined spirit. I’d love to share stories over tea and talk about what it means to lead with heart.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
You can visit our website at www.pawsitivebeginnings.org to find all our social media links. We post updates about the foxes, therapy sessions, and upcoming events. And if you ever find yourself in the Florida Keys — you can book a private tour to come meet the foxes that call Pawsitive Beginnings home.
This was very meaningful, thank you so much. We wish you only continued success in your great work!
About the Interviewer: Stanley Bronstein is an attorney, CPA, and author of more than 20 books. However, he doesn’t consider any of those his greatest achievement. His most significant accomplishment was permanently losing 225 pounds and developing the personal growth system that made it possible — The Way of Excellence. As a catalyst for change, he has dedicated his life to helping others maximize their potential, transform their lives, and achieve optimal health. To learn more, you can download a free PDF copy of his latest book, The Way of Excellence Journal, at https://TheWayOfExcellence.com.
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