Alana Conolly ’27, a sophomore from Rochester, N.Y., is on a mission to change the lives of dogs in need worldwide.
As a passionate animal lover with an entrepreneurial spirit, Alana is determined to address the critical problem of neglected and street dogs in Mexico, where many face starvation, illness, and abuse.
A Life-Changing Experience
Alana's journey began in 2021 during a family vacation to Cancun, Mexico. Although she had seen the plight of street dogs in the area before, nothing could have prepared her for the stark reality she encountered at Cachorrolandia, a dog shelter in Cancun. With over 350 dogs crammed into inadequate space, struggling with malnutrition and illness, Alana witnessed the heartbreak of neglected animals firsthand.
One puppy, in particular, stood out to her:
a frail black dog who was too weak to compete with the others for food or attention. She knew that if she didn’t intervene, the dog — later named Nakia — would likely not survive.
Determined to save her, Alana and her family worked tirelessly to bring Nakia to the U.S. With the help of generous donors and extensive logistical research, Nakia was treated for multiple tick-borne illnesses and eventually placed in a loving home.
The experience was transformative for Alana — it not only solidified her passion for animal welfare but also ignited her desire to make a broader impact.
Founding Wags and Wings Dog Rescue
Recognizing that Nakia’s story was far too common, Alana was inspired to take action.
In January 2022, she founded , a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to rescuing street dogs from Mexico and finding them forever homes in the U.S. The organization partners with travel volunteers who help transport dogs, often via commercial flights or private arrangements.
Since its inception, Wags and Wings has saved the lives of 30 dogs, and Alana has ambitious plans to scale the operation.
Looking ahead, Alana is working on securing a charter cargo plane for 2025, which will allow the rescue team to double the number of dogs transported per trip. This expansion will significantly increase the nonprofit’s impact, enabling it to help even more dogs in need.
Overcoming Challenges and Finding Rewards
Building a nonprofit from the ground up has not been without its challenges.
“The biggest obstacle has been expanding our market and getting more people to understand the scope of the issue,” Alana explains. Educating the public and gaining the support of communities has been crucial in growing the venture.
Despite the hurdles, the rewards have been immense. “The most fulfilling part is seeing the dogs we rescue get a second chance at life and find loving homes,” she reflects. “That’s what keeps me going.”
Lessons from TIA
Alana credits Thought Into Action (TIA) with providing invaluable guidance that has been instrumental in scaling Wags and Wings.
“The mentors at TIA have given me access to countless resources, ideas, and opportunities to help further my mission,” Alana says.
One of the defining moments of her entrepreneurial journey was being selected to compete in the TIA Showcase, which solidified her belief that her venture could truly make an impact.
Perhaps the most transformative advice came from Reece Wilson, vlog’s entrepreneur in residence: “I know Wags and Wings is a nonprofit, but if you want to scale, you need to start thinking about it like a business.”
This insight changed Alana’s approach to running her organization, encouraging her to think strategically about growth and sustainability — key factors for scaling a venture.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Alana’s experience has led her to a powerful conclusion: “All ventures, whether nonprofit or for-profit, need to be treated like businesses to compete and succeed in today’s world.”
She encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to focus on scalability, sustainability, and adaptability.
“The key to long-term success is understanding that every venture needs a solid business framework to grow effectively, whether you’re saving dogs or selling products.”
Looking Ahead
Alana’s vision for the future is both ambitious and inspiring. In addition to rescuing 30 dogs on a single flight, she is building partnerships with a socially conscious travel agency, collaborating with another dog rescue organization, and even negotiating with a private airline to expand her operations. If anyone knows someone with a private jet, Alana would certainly appreciate the connection!
Alana’s story is a testament to the power of passion-driven entrepreneurship. Through Wags and Wings, she is not only giving neglected dogs a second chance at life but also proving that businesses — whether nonprofit or for-profit — can create meaningful and lasting change in the world.
With her unwavering dedication, Alana is a powerful example of how one person can make an impact.