Jessica Hillenbrand

Jessica Hillenbrand is the co-founder of Marley Farms in Gilbert, Ariz., an animal rescue ranch that provides therapeutic learning experiences for children by allowing them to interact with rescued and neglected animals that have been adopted and given a second chance at a normal life on the farm.

Jessica and her husband, Shea Hillenbrand, founded Marley Farms in May of 2007. Jessica has been contributing to the benefit of animals her entire life. With her father as the veterinarian at the Phoenix Zoo, Jessica was always surrounded by animals. Her family adopted many animals that most people would put down. They had horses, dogs, llamas and tortoises, among many others, and that is where her passion for animals began.

Throughout her life, Jessica has been a huge supporter of the Phoenix Zoo and Gabriel’s Angels. Gabriel's Angels is a non-profit organization providing pet therapy to abused and at-risk children in the Phoenix metropolitan area. Her work with these organizations inspired her and Shea to start the Against All Odds Foundation, a vehicle in which they give back to the community through providing positive educational and recreational opportunities to underprivileged youth.

Throughout the year, Jessica and Shea host children from local disadvantaged youth centers for a day of food, fun activities and visits to their petting zoo. In addition, they donate dog and cat food to local shelters, helping out in any way that they feel they can.