40 Under 40: Andrea Kalas-Nagel

Andrea Kalas-Nagel is the director of storytelling and partnerships at Ponderay-based animal welfare nonprofit, Better Together Animal Alliance.

She graduated with a journalism degree from Washington State University and recently completed her master's degree in strategic communications and leadership at Gonzaga University. She started her career at the Coeur d'Alene Press before working as a communications specialist at Kootenai Health for a decade before moving into her current role at BTAA. 

"Throughout my career, I’ve stayed passionate about connecting with the community, sharing meaningful stories, and making important information accessible to everyone," she said.

She credits her education with providing a strong foundation in effective communication, critical thinking, and storytelling — all of which are essential to the work I do today. 

"Studying journalism taught me how to gather information, ask thoughtful questions, and share stories that resonate with people," she said. "My master’s degree in strategic communications and leadership deepened my understanding of how to connect with different audiences, build relationships, and inspire action."

She is deeply passionate about lifelong learning and maintaining a questioning attitude. I believe the driving force of growth is knowledge — whether gained in a classroom or through everyday experiences. 

"Humanity is at its best when learning and growth are at its core," she said.

Writing has been a passion since childhood and being able to have impact as a storyteller is "an unbelievable gift," Kalas-Nagel said. "I’m driven by the desire to connect people with accurate, meaningful information that helps them in their daily lives, and I feel incredibly fortunate to do work that combines my love for words with a sense of purpose and community."

She credits an experience in fifth-grade class when teacher Mr. Luhnow showed her that writing could be more than just an assignment — it could be a profession. 

"Our class kept a journal, and at first, I wasn’t sure what to write. Was it supposed to be a diary? A to-do list? I felt stuck," Kalas-Nagel said. "One day, Mr. Luhnow stopped by my desk, noticed my blank page, and simply said, 'Tell me a story.'"

That small nudge unlocked something and her imagination began to soar and she started writing an ongoing fiction series about my dog. Later, during a parent-teacher conference, the teacher told her parents how much he enjoyed my stories and said he believed she had a future in writing.

"Hearing that encouragement at such a young age gave me a sense of purpose — it sparked a passion for storytelling that has never left me," Kalas-Nagel said. "That moment not only shaped my career path but also taught me the power of believing in someone’s potential, a lesson I carry with me to this day."

Her future will continue to see her deeply engaged in the community — whether through her career or through volunteer and civic involvement. She said she has been fortunate to work in roles that connect her to the community, and that sense of purpose is something she will always pursue, whether in her career or in volunteer efforts. 

"I’ve always been drawn to the idea of serving on a city council or a similar group where I can help shape decisions that impact the people and places I care about," she said. "Ultimately, I want to continue using my skills in communication and leadership to build connections, share meaningful stories, and contribute to the growth and well-being of my community."

Advice to her younger self: "If I could give my younger self one piece of advice, it would be to trust your own voice and have confidence in your abilities. There were times I struggled (and still struggle) with self-doubt — what some might call imposter syndrome — feeling like my experience or education wasn’t as valid as someone else’s. But the truth is, everyone’s journey is unique, and your perspective has value.

"I would tell my younger self that growth comes not from waiting until you feel completely ready but from stepping forward even when you have doubts. Confidence isn’t about knowing everything — it’s about believing that you belong in the room and that your ideas and insights matter. Be bold, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to take up space."