edited by Joan Allison | photos courtesy of Brittany Pace
(Above photo: Pace, with a snuggle bug patient, says she’s living her dream job as Spay Memphis’ executive director.)
QUICK LOOK: My hometown is Saltillo, Miss., and I earned a Bachelor of Science in Educational Psychology from Mississippi State University. Now I live in High Point Terrace in Memphis with my two rescue cats, Oliver and Harry.
When I moved to Memphis almost 10 years ago, I quickly became involved in animal welfare, joining the Spay Memphis clinic staff in 2014. Since becoming the Executive Director in 2016, I’ve led the clinic through many advancements, including a complete organizational re-brand, facility move, and 28% spay/neuter annual surgery increase.
I’m so happy to see the clinic’s mission of preventing pet-overpopulation finally begin to make a difference in the community. I believe Spay Memphis’ continuing growth and collaboration with local organizations is key to continuing to help pets in the Greater Memphis Area.
What was your favorite toy growing up?
Anything Barbie. I couldn’t get enough of the dolls and clothes. Playing “fashion show” with them was one of my favorite things to do.
If you could time travel, when would you go?
If you had asked a year ago, I probably would have wanted to time travel back to the 1950s or 1960s. But with the craziness of this year, I would want to time travel to the future to see when/if things ever get back to normal!
What personality trait has gotten you in the most trouble?
My stubbornness, for sure. But I think it fuels my determination to succeed so it doesn’t get me into as much trouble as it did when I was younger.
Cake or pie?
Definitely cake! There’s so many great options – wedding cake, chocolate cake, cheesecake, cupcakes. I could eat them all.
What terrible movie do you love?
I love the Tremors movies. They’re so bad, they’re fantastic.
What fictional character do you wish you could meet?
Olivia Benson from Law & Order SVU or Spencer Reid from Criminal Minds – two of my favorite television characters!
What song do you have to sing along with when you hear it?
Of all time, definitely Bohemian Rhapsody. Currently though, I am obsessed with the entire Hamilton soundtrack.
What game are you really good at?
I’m not a very competitive person but I play a mean game of Battleship!
Which movie do they need to make a sequel to?
I would love a sequel to Moulin Rouge or Notting Hill.
What’s your favorite childhood book?
I loved the Anne of Green Gables and Little House on the Prairie series. I still have them all!
What is the best piece of advice you’ve received?
That I don’t need a husband or significant other to achieve my goals, such as home ownership. My dad told me that I was a strong, independent woman and I could do anything that I set my mind to, regardless of my relationship status. I took this advice to heart and bought my first home about a year later!
As a child, what did you wish to become when you grew up?
It changed weekly when I was a kid but I always wanted to work with animals and am thrilled that as an adult, I made that wish come true.
If you could have dinner with anyone from history, who would it be?
Anne Boleyn. I love reading books (both fiction and nonfiction) related to her life so it would be interesting to sit down to speak with her.
Which is better—a novel or a movie?
It depends on my mood but I usually prefer a novel or a television series.
If you could read minds, whose would you want to read?
Everyone! If I had a cool ability, I wouldn’t want to choose a specific person.
What’s the most beautiful place you’ve ever been?
Italy, for sure. I went on a two week trip with some of my best friends last year and it
was life changing. We traveled around the country by train-Venice, Rome, Naples, Pompei, Positano, and Florence. Being there felt like being in a movie, it was so beautiful.
When you’re having a bad day, what do you do to make yourself feel better?
When I’m having a bad day, I do one of two things – either drinks with friends (pre- COVID-19, of course) or snuggle up with my two cats in bed binge watching a good TV show.
Which would be harder for you to give up: coffee or alcohol?
This question is hard! Probably coffee, I don’t feel awake until after that first cup of coffee in the morning.
If you had to live in a different state, which one would it be?
Probably Florida. I love warm weather and one of my best friends lives in Tampa so being closer to her would be awesome.
If you could shop for free at one store, which one would you choose?
Target! Half of my wardrobe and home furnishings are from there and I could shop there every day if I had the funds!
What’s your dream job?
I have it now! I have always dreamed of working with animals and I love running a nonprofit organization. I can’t imagine a better job for me.
