Faces of Boulder County: Leadership Spotlight | Mynerva Archer, Longmont Humane Society

When you meet Mynerva Archer, you meet more than a leader—you meet a steward of inclusion, empathy, and purposeful impact. As a key figure at the Longmont Humane Society, Mynerva’s leadership is rooted in two powerful values: communication and honesty. These aren’t just words to them—they’re the bedrock of how they build trust, foster belonging, and serve the community with clarity and heart.

This local impact reflects a larger movement happening across the country. According to the Humane Society of the United States, effective animal welfare leadership today is increasingly centered on community engagement, transparency, and inclusive service.

Mynerva’s path hasn’t been linear, and that’s where their strength lies. One pivotal choice—stepping away from college, while eventually finishing at 33 —transformed their worldview. Rather than a detour, it became a deep lesson in empathy. It opened their eyes to the barriers so many face when it comes to education and being in the workforce—barriers that disproportionately impact women, people who have been incarcerated, and those who are marginalized in countless ways. That insight now fuels how they lead—with fierce inclusivity and an unwavering belief in the value of every story, even those not yet ready to be told.

Before joining the Longmont Humane Society, Mynerva was once the first face many saw at Planned Parenthood in Syracuse, New York. In high-stakes, emotionally charged moments, they learned that presence—a calm, friendly, affirming face—can offer hope. It’s a lesson they carry with them: leadership isn’t always loud. Sometimes it’s quiet presence, a willingness to hold space, and the courage to see people fully.

What does Mynerva want Boulder County to know? That the Longmont Humane Society is more than a shelter. It’s a living, evolving part of the community—asking every day, “How do we best serve? How do we meet people where they are?” Their data and community assessments reveal a clear call: be more community-centric. That means fundraising to support community partnerships and programs that reflect—and are led by—the very people they serve.

Mynerva’s proudest work centers around creating flexible programs that meet real needs and ensuring that professional teams reflect the diversity of the community. “When our teams mirror those we serve,” they share, “we build trust not just in the mission, but in the movement behind it.”

Like any purpose-driven leader, Mynerva faces their own internal barriers. Perfectionism, they say, can be a trap. It can stall action in the name of doing it “right,” creating a loop of correction and delay. But they’ve learned to notice that pattern and interrupt it. Tools like affirmations, clarity checks, and simple resets help them return to their values and lead with presence instead of pressure.

What feels most alive for Mynerva now? The community—the shared heartbeat of people showing up, offering support, and pushing for better. Mynerva’s leadership is not about being the hero; it’s about being part of a collective impact. One choice at a time, they build a legacy not just of service, but of transformation.

Mynerva Archer is a leader not because they seek the spotlight, but because they reflect it—illuminating others, holding space for complexity, and calling forth a Boulder County where everyone belongs.

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You can learn more or support the organization directly by visiting the Longmont Humane Society.

If you’re a community leader like Mynerva—navigating purpose, presence, and impact—and you’re ready to get clear on how your values translate into bold action, I’d love to support you. I work with leaders across Boulder County to help them align their inner clarity with outer service. Let’s connect.

And if you’re feeling inspired to hit the trails with your own four-legged sidekick, check out this guide to Boulder’s dog culture and top pet-friendly trails. Because leadership might begin in the boardroom—but often, the best clarity comes from a good walk with a great dog.

Kate Galt Primal Leadership Business Coaching

Kate Galt coaches and challenges leaders at all levels— from entrepreneurs to seasoned executives— to sharpen their vision, articulate key messages so they connect and inspire, and make decisive, strategic moves that drive real business growth. Based in Boulder, Colorado, she works with individuals and teams to strengthen leadership, improve team dynamics, and achieve measurable results.

Her coaching is rooted in Primal Leadership—because the strongest leaders move with instinct, command presence without force, and create unshakable trust through raw, real connection.

Like any driven person, Kate is always figuring out how to do it all—running a business, raising two kids with her equally involved husband, and still making time for the adventure that brought her to Colorado in 1998. Whether it’s snowboarding, mountain biking, or chasing an ultimate frisbee, she knows the best leadership isn’t just learned—it’s lived.

The bottom line? Kate makes good leaders great.

Curious about what makes her coaching style so impactful? Book a call and experience it for yourself at CoachTheLeaders.com.