The esteemed Hathaway Maranda, Director of Philanthropy and Engagement at Great Plains SPCA, works her Maranda magic every day to help save lives in our community. She has held leadership roles at several world-class organizations including: Sundance Institute, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. Hathaway has worked all over the country, including Honolulu, Hawaii, where she moved from in order to have the opportunity to live in Kansas City and work for the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. We asked her all the questions you’ve been dying to know about her life, her greatest fears, and all things Hathaway.
What or who is the greatest love of your life?
– My little rescue chihuahua/mix Frida “Fifi” Kahlo.
What is your greatest fear?
– Not making our annual fundraising goals!
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
– Moving to Kansas City and creating the life I have always wanted – which has led me to work for GPSPCA.
Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
– “Wicked” and “awesome” – I’m from the Boston area orginally, and I just can’t break the habit.
Which talent would you most like to have?
– Dog whisperer.
If you had to eat the same meal every day, what would it be?
– A great loaf of bread from Ibis Bakery and Kerrygold butter.
What do you most value in your friends?
– Loyalty and the ability to tell me the truth.
If you could be any kind of animal, which would you be?
– I’d be one of the dogs. They are supported to live their best lives.
Where would you most like to live?
– I’m quite happy in Kansas City, but a few years in Paris would be dreamy.
What is your favorite occupation?
– Honestly, working as the Director of Philanthropy and Engagement at GPSPCA!
How many pets do you have?
– I am fortunate to have three amazing dogs. Frida, I rescued in 2020. I rescued Finneas, a mini-Aussie Shepherd from GPSPCA in October of 2023. And the king doggy in my life, Chico, a gorgeous tri-colored American Pit Bull Terrier, is my partner’s nine-year-old rescue boy. We are also planning on adding some chickens to the pack this spring!
When and where are you happiest?
– Snuggled in bed with my three rescue dogs.
What is your most treasured possession?
– A hand-felted dog bed I ordered from Italy when I first adopted Frida. It was an extravagant splurge, but her joy and comfort, especially knowing that she spent the first two years of her life on the streets of Tijuana, bring us both tremendous joy.
Hathaway Maranda is revolutionizing the culture here at Great Plains SPCA, and we could not be more grateful for her expertise. Her attention to detail and huge heart for homeless pets help save lives every single day, and we are forever grateful for her leadership.