At Urban Science, our drive to #DoGreatThings extends well beyond the automotive industry. Our desire to make a positive impact is woven into the fabric of our culture, also manifesting in the communities where we live, work and serve. 

Through our annual Community Giving Initiative, we empower Urban Scientists to direct corporate giving toward the causes that represent their personal passions. Through this program, participating Urban Scientists nominate a nonprofit they want to support and complete a four-hour (minimum) paid volunteerism requirement. Once they volunteer with the organization and create a recap about their experience, our company awards a $500 corporate donation to the nominated nonprofit.

In 2025, Urban Science announced $11,500 in total gifts to employee-nominated nonprofits. Of the many causes chosen, animal welfare emerged as a prominent theme among 2025’s nominated organizations.

Pets are family for many. For three Urban Scientists—Katie Keith in Detroit, Kathryn Taylor in Nashville and Alessandra Abruzzini in Italy—that connection inspired them to dedicate their time and talents to organizations that give a voice to the voiceless. Here’s how the trio are turning their compassion for animals into tangible community impact in their own unique ways.

For the Love of Cats Rescue & Adoption

Senior Marketing Specialist Katie Keith has a personal connection to animal welfare. In 2022, she adopted her cat, Gemma, from For the Love of Cats Rescue & Adoption. Impressed by their willingness to take in rescues from all over metro Detroit regardless of the situation, Keith decided to give back to the organization that brought Gemma into her life.

Keith’s volunteer work began with the essential, gritty work of cleaning cages and socializing cats housed at a local PetSmart. Before long, she realized she could offer her professional skillset to For the Love of Cats.

“A lot of nonprofit organizations need help with seemingly simple tasks like social media posts, flyer creation and other organizational tasks,” Keith said. She is now leading the rescue’s social media efforts to expand its reach and visibility. 

Keith also remarked how meaningful it is to work for a company that encourages and empowers employees to support causes that are important to them. By applying her marketing expertise to animal welfare, she’s helping For the Love of Cats reach potential adopters who might otherwise never have seen the animals waiting for their forever homes.

P.A.W.S. (Pet Adoption and Welfare Services)

In Nashville, Senior Consultant Kathryn Taylor channeled her gratitude for animals into service alongside P.A.W.S. (Pet Adoption and Welfare Services). Taylor says her own pets have brightened her life, and she wanted to ensure shelter animals received that same chance at happiness.

Taylor’s volunteer experience highlights the direct correlations between facility maintenance and adoption rates. Her time was spent cleaning play yards, a seemingly minor task vital to shelter success, but experts in this sector know a  clean, inviting environment is essential for prospective adopters to bond with animals.

“It was a fulfilling experience to be able to help the animals and the shelter,” Taylor said. “Doing my part makes me feel helpful, and hopeful that these sweet babies will find a home soon.”

For Taylor, our company’s Community Giving Initiative is a point of pride. She notes Urban Science’s paid volunteer hours are a “blessing” she loves to brag about. They allow her to step away from her desk and make a tangible difference in the lives of vulnerable animals.

Angeli da Amare

Across the Atlantic, Senior Data Analyst Alessandra Abruzzini demonstrates the deep level of commitment Urban Scientists bring to their communities. She is not just a volunteer, but a co-founder and member of the Board of Directors for Angeli da Amare, an organization in Bari, Italy, dedicated to animal welfare.

Since 2020, Abruzzini has worked tirelessly to find homes for animals in desperate situations. Her involvement is deeply emotional and driven by a transparent approach to rescue work. 

“This experience has deeply enriched my soul with a profound sense of gratitude,” Abruzzini said. “I really appreciate working for a company that takes care of social needs. Doing so makes me feel that my contribution to my community is recognized and meaningful.”

The Collective Impact

Whether it’s leveraging corporate marketing skills to boost adoptions in Detroit, maintaining safe play spaces in Nashville or leading animal nonprofits in Italy, these inspirational Urban Scientists embody the diverse ways we show up for our communities and remind us that doing great things begins with simply lending a helping hand (or paw).