Our Team

Photo by Patrick Hill

Founder & Executive Director
Leslie Hughes Kennedy is the Founder & Executive Director of the Barking Beauty Pageant. A former Ms. New York and star of NYCTV's Doggie Moms. She brings her expertise as a national emcee and host of the National American Miss Pageants to the stage along with her "doghter," a sweet little Chihuahua, and the inaugural Austin Barking Beauty, Laverne.

Productions

Sponsor Coordinator
John Truitt and his sweet bulldog, Iba, join us as our Sponsor Coordinator. He is the current Director of Fur_casso, snd Iba is it’s featured star artist. Fur_casso is the 1st of its kind painting experience that explores the creativity of a dog’s mind, curated specifically for dogs with classic paintings as the muse. He joins us with an enthusiasm to combine his love of dogs with his excitement for entrepreneurialism. John understands the unique needs of the companies he brings to the pageant as sponsors and partners, and looks forward to making sure you get the most out of joining our efforts to help disadvantaged pets and kids.

Official Photographer
Jane Fidanza is the photographer behind the lens at Fetching Fido Fotography. Jane has been photographing dogs and cats and all things animal since 2007. After relocating to Austin from Philadelphia ten years ago, she's been focusing solely on pet portraiture. Jane adores the underdogs, specifically pit bulls, and enjoys photographing dogs and cats in need at local shelters. We are so honored to have her lending her talents to our efforts to benefit Safe in Austin!

Volunteer Coordinator
Melinda Tabb is the Volunteer Coordinator this year. Her love of dogs and serving her community is what sparked her interest in the pageant. She is the Pastor of Family Ministries at Austin New Church and is recruiting teenagers from her youth group to volunteer their time for this good cause. If you’re interested volunteering, please let us know.