Check Out Mimi Parker’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mimi Parker

Hi Mimi, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I wanted to share the story behind my non-profit, Philly Jenkins Rescue, and how its emblem is rooted in my journey. Although my mission primarily focuses on medically at-risk cats and cats facing euthanasia, the logo features my cherished 3 pound 6 year old Chihuahua(Dr Phil) that was tragically killed in December 2023 and my 8-year-old rescue cat (Mr. Jenkins), whom I saved off the streets a month with his two litters and mate, after my dog passing.

The logo also features my repost project Cats of USA and a picture of Lucy, who was rescued from the Apple Valley Animal Shelter prior to her scheduled euthanasia. She was the only surviving kitten from her litter that was not euthanized. Following her rescue, Lucy was transported from Southern California to San Francisco, where she received essential medical treatment for ringworm and an upper respiratory infection. This rescue was made possible after I came across a post about Lucy’s only chance to live through a repost emphasizing her urgent need for assistance. I created a project called RescueCatsOfUSA(Instagram) to address the pervasive need for cat rescues throughout the United States, thereby expanding our mission to include all cats in need. The act of reposting has proven to be a vital component in saving lives.
It serves to share information from rescues, shelters, and individuals requiring assistance in various circumstances, including events related to spaying and neutering, lost and found cats, as well as the welfare of stray and senior cats. Additionally, it facilitates the posting of updates of lost and found pet announcements and captures positive updates along with pertinent information regarding feline health and well-being.

Since I have found Philly Jenkins Rescue, I take great pride in our collaborations with multiple shelters throughout California. During our adoption events, I engage with high school students (our volunteers) to educate them about cat care and the vital nature of rescue work. It is my aspiration to impart the knowledge I have acquired to the youth of today, who will become the educators and advocates for animal welfare in the future.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Currently, our primary challenge lies in identifying potential adopters. As we have recently launched, we are in the process of developing our audience and aspire to engage with a larger community of cat enthusiasts and those looking to adopt.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Prior to founding Philly Jenkins Rescue my professional career was in engineering. I also Love to do artwork which features our rescue cats along with renovating miniature doll houses.

My experience has been in Vehicle Integration & Stabilty Testing, Support Engineering, Data Analysis, Ai engineering, and Network Engineering and Operations.

My ability to lead, adapt, and thrive in fast-paced, dynamic environments set me apart.

I have a proven track record of not only meeting but exceeding expectations, whether it’s coordinating testing activities for autonomous vehicles or spearheading initiatives that drive positive change, safety and innovation within a company.

My achievements included winning the 2022 Hackathon Operational Excellence Award at Rivian and serving as Lead Engineer for Amazon FleetOs, launching the first Amazon Van Fleet and the first software updates to all the Rivian Trucks, and launching the software updates for the Rivian R1Ts, which brought the astronauts including Jeff Bezos to their space shuttle.

At Tesla, I worked on a VIP team directly for Elon Musk, where I excelled in building datasets for AI models to enhance full self-driving capabilities. My strong analytical skills allowed me to effectively consolidate and report test results, create team documentation, and provide invaluable expertise in issue triage and root cause analysis within engineering teams.

I also contributed my engineering skills to assist in managing the end-of-line fleet for ZOOX ( a robot company) and led the vehicle integration & stability testing for the engineering team and built all their documentation.

In September 2023, I began volunteering as a Cat Socialization Volunteer at SFSPCA. I volunteered mainly in the hospital surgery suite, documented medical and behavioral observations, provided ringworm treatments, socialized underage kittens and kittens with upper respiratory infections, and assisted at the adoption center.

Art Instagram: kumakaokumakao

We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Philly Jenkins Rescue is dedicated to the mission of rescuing cats that are medically at risk, which includes those requiring life-saving surgeries, medical attention, medication, and treatment. The organization provides comprehensive care for ill cats before placing them in loving and supportive homes. Furthermore, Philly Jenkins Rescue intervenes to rescue cats that have been scheduled for euthanasia, ensuring that they are also placed in loving homes where they can thrive and receive a second chance at life.

I have launched a second project titled “Rescue Cats of USA” on Instagram. This platform serves as a resource for information related to cat health and for sharing posts about cats in need throughout the United States. We take immense pride in our efforts to assist rescue organizations and to raise awareness concerning feline welfare.

Philly Jenkins Rescue was established in July 2024 and is based in San Francisco. Our organization collaborates with shelter partners across California and with Pet Food Express.

Our mission also includes teaching about feline care and rescue operations to volunteers and we are proud to have several San Francisco high school students come to our events and get involved.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Phillyjenkinsrescue
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561573910263&mibextid=wwXIfr
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/milparker
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/rescuecatsofusa

Image Credits
Mimi Parker – Founder / Director / Photographer of Philly Jenkins Rescue