Nicole Arciello is a longtime animal rights advocate whose journey began over a decade ago as a contributor to the Times Union’s “Animal Rights Blog.” Fueled by a deep commitment to justice, she co-founded Albany Animal Rights, leading campaigns against circuses, rodeos, puppy mills, and the fur trade. Her powerful op-ed exposing the abuse of elephants in circuses helped raise awareness and inspire action. Nicole gained national recognition through an A1 Times Union story—later picked up by the Daily Mail—on a controversial trophy-hunting photo, which sparked widespread conversation about animal exploitation. An accomplished vegan chef and baker with over 12 years of experience, Nicole has shared her plant-based creations through restaurants, pop-ups, and local media, inspiring others to embrace a cruelty-free lifestyle. She currently serves as Executive Director of Horseracing Wrongs, a nonprofit dedicated to ending the cruelty of the U.S. horseracing industry.