Heather Ann Duryee
Heather De Luise Duryee is a dedicated Mission Advocate with Paws of War, passionately supporting veterans, first responders, and rescue animals. Based in Nesconset, New York, Heather combines her skills in community outreach, event coordination, and fundraising to make a tangible impact in the lives of those she serves. Her efforts include organizing charity raffles, car shows, adoption drives, and community events, while also building partnerships with local businesses and coordinating volunteer teams to ensure smooth execution and maximum community engagement.
Prior to her work in nonprofit advocacy, Heather served for over two decades as a Tax Examiner at the Internal Revenue Service, where she honed her organizational and analytical skills. She brings this experience, along with a strong sense of empathy and purpose, to her current role, ensuring that the needs of service members, military families, and rescue animals are effectively addressed.
Heather’s commitment to service is deeply personal. She honors the legacy of her late husband, Ryan, a first responder, by advocating for the men and women who serve in emergency services. Her work is not just a career, but a mission rooted in compassion and action—helping communities, supporting heroes, and improving the lives of animals in need. Through her efforts, Heather exemplifies the power of dedication, community, and heartfelt service.
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a passion that was born from pain and turned into purpose. The truth is, the main thing that drives me is this — I never want someone to hurt the way I do.
After losing Ryan and facing my own health battles, there were days I questioned what I had left to give. Mornings can take hours just to push through the pain and get moving. Some days feel heavier than others. But even in those moments, I think about the veterans carrying invisible wounds, the first responders who can’t unsee what they’ve seen, and the rescue dogs who only ever knew fear and abandonment.
I know what deep hurt feels like. And if I can lessen that hurt for even one person — or one dog — then every early morning, every long day, every ounce of effort is worth it.
My success isn’t about recognition. It’s about impact.
It’s about making sure no one feels forgotten.
It’s about turning my pain into something that heals.
If I can help someone feel even just a little less alone, then I am exactly where I’m meant to be.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I ever received was simple: Don't stop. Keep pushing. Go for little goals. Those words changed me.They taught me that progress doesn't always come in giant leaps - sometimes it comes in small, steady steps. those small steps matter. They build resilience. They build confidence. They build impact. At first, I pushed to prove the doubters wrong. I wanted to show that I could do it - that I would not only succeed, but excel. But somewhere along the way, I realized something deeper: I wasn't just proving something to others... I was proving it to myself. Sometimes the smallest goals - getting through a hard morning, making one phone call, helping one person, saving one dog - can create the greatest impact. Not only in your community, but within your own heart. Keep pushing. The little wins become life-changing victories.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Don't let anybody tell you that you can't do it. Nothing is impossible. There will always be that little voice in your head that is saying you " you can't do this" but it is totally wrong. You can do anything you set you mind to, only YOU determine you limits, nobody else.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges and opportunities in my field right now is networking effectively to support fundraising efforts and spreading the word of what we do on the daily basis. showing people why we are such an important organization,
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The most important values to me in both my work and personal life are compassion and the ability to make a meaningful difference by helping others.