Fiyana Elavia

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

ABOUT FIYANA ELAVIA

My journey with animal welfare began over a decade ago as a volunteer at RESQ Charitable Trust. I came in with compassion and curiosity, and stayed because the work mattered. Over the years, that journey shaped how I think, how I lead, and the kind of responsibility I choose to hold.Today, as Managing Trustee and Acting CFO, I help lead one of India’s largest animal rescue and wildlife rehabilitation organisations. While much of RESQ’s work happens on the ground through emergency rescues, veterinary care, rehabilitation, and community engagement, my role focuses on building the systems that allow this work to continue with integrity and scale.I spend most of my time thinking about structure under pressure. How clarity, good systems, and shared ownership can reduce burnout and improve outcomes for both animals and teams.I look for patterns, simplify complexity, and design for real behaviour rather than ideal conditions. I am particularly drawn to creating structure in high-stress environments, strengthening partnerships beyond announcements, and doing the quiet work that rarely gets seen but keeps organisations standing.I don’t see empathy and efficiency as opposing forces. In my experience, thoughtful structure is what allows care and impact to sustain over time.I am as comfortable assisting with a rescue as I am reviewing cashflows, compliance, or long-term plans, and just as invested in shaping a strong CSR proposal or fundraising campaign. What keeps me grounded is the belief that work should feel meaningful for the people doing it and for those it is meant to serve.RESQ has always been about collective effort. Whatever progress we have made is because of the commitment, resilience, and integrity of the people who show up every day to do the work on ground.If you care about sustainable impact, empathy led systems, and the work that happens behind the scenes, we will likely find a lot to talk about.