Influential Woman · Non-Profit
Amanda Azar
Founder and President, The Paw Promise NJ
North Brunswick, NJ 08902
Her Story
About Amanda
Amanda Azar is an Assistant General Manager, marketing professional, and young nonprofit founder based in North Brunswick, New Jersey. She currently serves in a leadership role at School of Rock East Brunswick, where she oversees daily operations, supports student development, leads recruitment efforts, and drives marketing initiatives that strengthen community engagement. Alongside her work in music education, Amanda founded The Paw Promise NJ, an animal rescue organization dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming dogs and cats while promoting responsible pet ownership. Through her nonprofit work, she manages day-to-day operations and coordinates volunteer teams focused on marketing, outreach, and fundraising to support the long-term goal of opening a dedicated animal shelter. Her leadership blends operational strategy with creative marketing, allowing her to build strong community connections across both her professional and volunteer work. As a young nonprofit founder, Amanda is passionate about proving that meaningful change begins with taking action, regardless of age or experience. She is also actively involved in content creation and engagement strategies that expand awareness and support for The Paw Promise's mission. Amanda is currently pursuing a bachelor's degree at Grand Canyon University, with a focus on elementary education, and is expected to graduate in 2027. Her leadership philosophy centers on service, compassion, and community impact, with a commitment to creating lasting change for both people and animals.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Amanda
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success first and foremost to the unwavering love and support of my family. As the daughter of immigrant parents, I was raised to value hard work, resilience, and compassion. My parents always encouraged me to pursue a life driven by purpose, which gave me the confidence to embrace leadership opportunities and found The Paw Promise NJ. Along the way, I’ve also been blessed with mentors and a community that believed in me, challenged me to grow, and reminded me that meaningful impact is never achieved alone.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is that “no” doesn’t always mean “never.” Rejection isn’t the end of the road, it’s often a redirection or an opportunity to grow. That mindset has taught me to stay resilient, keep learning, and continue pursuing my goals with confidence, even when the path isn’t easy.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Don't wait until you feel "qualified enough" to pursue what you're passionate about. Believe in your abilities, be willing to learn from every challenge, and don't let rejection define you. Some of the most meaningful opportunities come from simply having the courage to start. Your voice, ideas, and passion have value, regardless of your age or where you're starting from. Confidence comes from taking the first step, not from having everything figured out. The impact you make is determined by your passion and commitment, not by your age or title.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
In the nonprofit sector, one of the biggest challenges is financial sustainability—maintaining consistent funding while encouraging people to invest in a mission they believe in. However, I also believe this challenge creates an opportunity to build stronger relationships with the community and educate people about the impact their support can make. Through authentic storytelling, partnerships, and community involvement, nonprofits have more opportunities than ever to inspire action and create lasting change.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Hard work, compassion, and perseverance are the values that guide both my work and personal life. I believe in consistently putting myself out there and taking initiative, even when there's no immediate outcome. For me, success isn't about having every opportunity handed to you, it's about keeping a foot in the door, continuing to grow, and making the most of every chance to learn and serve others. Whether I'm supporting students, advocating for animals, or serving my community, I strive to lead with purpose and leave every place better than I found it.
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.