A New York City-based animal rights leader, Virginia Chipurnoi is the president of the Humane Society of New York (HSNY), an award-winning nonprofit that operates a veterinary clinic and facilitates adoptions of stray pets. Upon graduating college, Virginia Chipurnoi, known affectionately as “Mrs. C” at HSNY, worked at prominent New York fashion retailer Lord & Taylor and later Reuters in Paris. She volunteered at several animal shelters, including the HSNY and ASPCA, before receiving an invite to join the HSNY board of directors.
Since being voted by the board to serve as president of the HSNY, Virginia Chipurnoi has worked with the organization’s dedicated staff and other partners to ensure all animals receive the care they deserve. The HSNY’s clinic is open seven days a week and offers low-cost, subsidized veterinary services such as wellness exams, blood tests, geriatric care, soft tissue and basic orthopedic procedures, and dentistry.
Virginia Chipurnoi believes that all pets should not only receive proper veterinary care, but also a home where they will be part of a family. She introduced the Forever Homes policy to HSNY. This screening system places greater emphasis on pet-owner compatibility with the hope of creating long lasting, quality relationships. The HSNY also offers an inexpensive spay and neuter program to mitigate overpopulation and the unnecessary euthanasia of millions of animals each year.
Also a passionate advocate for animal welfare, Virginia Chipurnoi supports a variety of animal-related causes through the HSNY and has been witness to deplorable conditions of animals worldwide in countries like Iran, Pakistan, and Japan. Under Virginia Chipurnoi’s leadership, the HSNY is not only among the most respected animal welfare organizations in the U.S., but is also a recipient of the America’s Best Charities Seal of Excellence. Fewer than 2,000 of the 1 million charities in the U.S. have earned this honor.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
A typical day begins quietly with a cup of tea, some gentle tai chi, and time spent caring for the Humane Society of New York animals, which helps set a calm, grounded tone for my day. I set aside time for reading and staying informed about environmental and political issues. Making time to learn and reflect are so important.
A daily walk helps maintain my connection to nature and provides clarity. I think of productivity not as constant activity, but as living intentionally and ending the day aligned with my personal values.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I bring ideas to life through curiosity, learning, and small, intentional steps rather than urgency. Reading, listening, and observation help me shape my perspective before I act.
Consistency, care, and thoughtful follow-through—whether through conversations, support of causes, or daily choices—are what turn ideas into lasting impact.
What’s one trend that excites you?
The growing awareness around animal welfare and humane living is particularly encouraging. More people are questioning longstanding practices, supporting rescues, choosing cruelty-free options, and recognizing the connection between animal protection and environmental health.
This shift toward compassion becoming more mainstream offers real hope for meaningful change.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
Beginning each day with intention rather than urgency is a habit I try to cultivate. Quiet moments—through movement, reflection, or time with animals—help clarify my priorities and reduce distractions.
This sense of calm carries me through the day, helping me stay present in the moment so I can be as effective as possible.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Trust your instincts and avoid rushing to meet expectations that ultimately don’t really matter. Growth takes time, and it’s okay to change your direction or pace.
Staying curious, practicing kindness toward yourself and others, and living in alignment with your values will always matter more than other people’s approval.
Tell us something you believe that almost nobody agrees with you on.
I don’t know whether people agree or disagree with me, but I believe we consistently underestimate the role every species plays in our world.
Animals are a vital part of the systems that sustain life, and by turning our heads instead of acting, we create consequences that extend far beyond the present moment. The impact of that inaction is profound, shaping the world that future generations will inherit.
Extinction is permanent—and so is the cost of ignoring it.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Take care of your body, because you only get one. This includes paying attention to your health, movement, rest, and daily choices.
Caring for yourself also extends to nurturing relationships with your family, friends, and community. This is how you build balance into your life and increase your resilience.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
Simple, grounding routines help restore my focus. I might go for a walk, spend time with animals, or do some other kind of gentle movement.
Slowing down and reconnecting with the natural world can bring an amazing sense of clarity and steadiness.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Staying true to my core values while remaining open to learning and collaboration has been essential for me. In my experience, long-term success comes from trust, integrity, and thoughtful decision-making rather than speed.
If you can be patient, consistent, and adapt to change without compromising your principles, these are the keys to sustainable business growth and meaningful professional relationships.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
Rather than viewing experiences as failures, I make an effort to see them as lessons.
Like anyone, I’ve had moments when my plans didn’t unfold as I expected.
Reflection, patience, and adjustment helped me move forward. Remember that resilience and adaptability matter more than perfection.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
There is an opportunity in creating small, community-based animal care centers that combine humane boarding, senior pet support, and education.
Businesses built on trust, responsibility, and compassion—rather than scale alone—can be both profitable and enduring.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
Email remains a reliable productivity tool for clear communication, organization, and record-keeping. I also like to write things down because I’ve found that it promotes careful thinking and accountability.
I think simple tools used consistently outperform complex systems or the latest trendy app.
What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?
Helping someone locally who could not afford care for their animal was a meaningful use of money. Ensuring the animal received the help they needed mattered more than anything else that money could have purchased.
The most meaningful spending eases suffering and strengthens the bond between people and animals.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
A book recommended by a close friend, Raising Hare, by Chloe Dalton, offered thoughtful lessons in patience, humility, and respect for the natural world. This memoir is about a woman who finds an abandoned baby hare and raises it during the COVID-19 pandemic. Its themes reinforce the value of attentiveness and coexistence rather than control.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
All Creatures Great and Small stands out for its warmth, gentle humor, and honest portrayal of life in a rural community with animals. The series reflects the joys, challenges, and family bonds that animals create—sometimes chaotic, often humorous, and deeply meaningful.
Key learnings
- Long-term success comes from patience, consistency, and alignment with core values rather than speed or trends.
- Compassion for animals, the environment, and community can coexist with productivity and profitability.
- Simple daily practices support clarity, focus, and sustained effectiveness over time.
- Meaningful impact often comes from small, intentional actions rather than visible or large gestures.
- Lifelong curiosity, adaptability, and willingness to re-examine traditions are essential for ethical and personal growth.