Editor’s note: In keeping with our theme of social media this year, we asked each of “the 20” to submit personally curated photographs and answer questions that offer a sneak peek into their private, as well as professional, life. We also had them choose a location for their lead photo shoot that ties into who they are.
WHITNEY SICKELS
Naughty Cat Cafe co-founder and owner; Humane Educational Society Commitment to Compassion Award recipient; Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce Pualu Award recipient (Business Innovation category) for Field Trips for Shelter Dogs Program; adopted out over 750 cats so far from Naughty Cat Cafe
Age: 38
* Facebook or Instagram?
Facebook.
* What would your personal hashtag be?
#biocentrist
* Most-used emoji?
Laughing. I have funny friends.
* What would you list as your top 3 likes? And, dislikes?
Likes: Growing my own food, creative solutions, quick wit. Dislikes: Cognitive dissonance, excuses, thoughts and prayers.
* How old were you when you got your first cellphone?
I was 17 years old. My best friend was relieved because I only had a pager and used her cellphone every time – which back then cost money for every minute used!
* Piece of tech you couldn’t live without (or wouldn’t want to)?
The corkscrew.
* Social media – love it or hate it?
Both. I find it to be a necessary evil.
* What was your last post (about)?
The vegetables growing in my garden.
* What do you consider your biggest accomplishment?
As the fund development director at the Hawaii Island Humane Society, I fundraised for a mobile spay and neuter clinic. Hawaii Island is the size of Connecticut, so being able to bring spay/neuter services to the community was essential in reducing pet overpopulation. I received a $100,000 matching grant and was able to raise over $125,0000 in donations to purchase the state-of-the-art custom mobile clinic. However, the price to ship the vehicle from where it was built in Ohio to Hawaii was $20,000, so I hopped on a plane, picked up the clinic (and my dad!), and we drove 2,400 miles to the West Coast to significantly lower the shipping cost.
* What is the biggest challenge or hardship you have overcome?
Being able to know when it’s best to be right and when it’s best to win.
* What kind of influencer would you be?
All things cats!
* Any goals for this year?
To celebrate the small victories.
* What’s one thing you would change about Chattanooga and why?
To make declawing cats illegal. It’s cruel and unnecessary.
* Why did you choose this location for your shoot?
Because I can never leave (Naughty Cat Cafe). Plus, cats.
* Tell me about one of your favorite memories.
One of my favorite memories is from my time living in Hawaii. To be able to wake up, go to the beach, get in the water and be swimming with spinner dolphins just offshore was truly an amazing experience. For those moments while swimming in their world, listening to them communicate while you just watch and take it all in, really puts life into perspective.