If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to build a lifelong career advocating for animals, look no further than Poorva Joshipura, PETA International’s first-ever president.

Poorva first joined PETA U.S. as an intern in 1999 and quickly advanced, becoming a research associate to champion against animal experiments at just 23. Since then, she has conducted undercover investigations, taken part in hard-to-miss protests, and helped steer corporate, policy and legal campaigns across continents.

Her leadership has been especially influential at PETA India, where she has served as CEO and sits on the board. From helping secure a ban on animal testing for cosmetics to replacing the use of mistreated, captive elephants with impressive robots, her unique style of work has transformed policies and saved animal lives galore.

Today, as President of PETA International, overseeing PETA projects outside the US, Poorva helps guide campaigns spanning Europe, Asia, and elsewhere, uniting PETA entities worldwide behind a shared mission: creating a kinder, more compassionate world for all animals.  

She is also deeply connected to initiatives like PETA’s Global Compassion Fund, which supports vital work on the ground, from emergency rescues to veterinary care for animals in underserved communities around the world. You may recognize some of this work from fireside chats and field updates.

In addition to her advocacy, Poorva is an accomplished author. Her compelling books, For a Moment of Taste and Survival at Stake, explore how our treatment of animals affects everything from public health to the climate crisis and why compassion is essential for a better future.

Reflecting on her journey, Poorva has shared a defining moment that shaped her life’s work:

“Years ago, in a slaughterhouse … I locked eyes with a frightened calf … and at that moment vowed to dedicate my life to animal liberation. For more than 25 years with PETA entities … I’ve been true to that pledge.”

In this special video, PETA Founder Ingrid Newkirk introduces Poorva, who shares how her journey with PETA began and what continues to inspire her work today. It’s a powerful reminder that behind every campaign, victory, and rescue effort are people whose dedication spans decades.

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