b'EMPOWERED TO INSPIRE, ACHIEVE AND LEAD TOGETHEREMPOWERED TO INSPIRE, ACHIEVE AND LEAD TOGETHEREMPOWERED TO INSPIRE, ACHIEVE AND LEAD TOGETHEREMPOWERED TO INSPIRE,VETERINARY WOMAN CHAMPIONS FOR CHANGEACHIEVE & LEAD TOGETHERS U M M A R Y Growing up, I didnt always know I wanted to be a vet. Inschool students across the UK to educate them about the fact, it wasnt until my last years of school that I came to thepossibility of working with animals and empower them toBackground: Im a veterinary studentrealisation. But once I did, I was all in. I started my veterinarypursue such a career.at RVC and President of Animalmedicine course at the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) in 2021 Aspirations, an initiative promotingand am now in my penultimate year. Diversity isnt just a personal value; its something essential diversity in veterinary and animal-relatedfor the future of our profession. The wealth of perspectives, professions. Ive been with AnimalCommunity has always been a big part of who I am. My firstideas, and lived experiences can breathe life into new ways Aspirations for four years, focusing onintroduction to outreach work came during school, whereof thinking that will drive us forward. But diversity isnt just creating more accessible pathways forI volunteered to teach children within my local refugeeabout innovation either. Its about creating a community minority groups into these fields.Mission: We work with schools to inspirecommunities. A few years later, I eventually led my schoolswhere everyone feels they belong. In a line of work that can and empower students from diversecommunity and service-learning committee, which solidifiedfeel disheartening at times, having that sense of support and backgrounds to consider careers inthat this was going to be an intrinsic part of my life movingconnection can make all the difference.veterinary science. Diversity isnt justforward. How do you feel this is making a difference? about innovation - its about creating aWhen I started university, I had the opportunity to join theWhen working with children, I was prepared only to see an supportive community where everyone belongs. Animal Aspirations team which meant I could continue theimpact manifest in the longer term, but there has already beenChallenges: As a student, it can be toughtype of work I was so passionate about while also connectinga tangible difference! Its my favourite thing to see all hands go to feel heard, especially in a professionwith others from a similar background to me. I started as ashooting up when I ask, Who wants to work with animals now? full of experienced voices. But seeingWorkshop Ambassador just a couple of months into my firstat the end of a workshop when most students never knew it the real impact of our work keeps meyear and was grateful to be chosen as a Junior Vice Presidentwas a possibility or had never even met an animal just an hour motivated, knowing were helping futurethe following year.before. The enthusiasm and appreciation from both students vets feel inspired and supported. and teachers are exactly why the initiative was created and whyImpact: Our workshops have reachedToday, as the President of Animal Aspirations for two years,I will always advocate for the work we do. over 4,500 students in the last year, withIve been fortunate to lead an incredible team committed to many now pursuing veterinary careers.championing diversity within animal-related professions. This has also been reflected in the numbers. With increased The excitement from students who never thought it was possible is incrediblyPlease summarise how you are working towards change rewarding. in the veterinary professions and why do you feel this Advice: Change takes time, but steadyis important?progress is better than no progress. IfMy work with Animal Aspirations perfectly embodies the youre passionate about something,change I most want to see and be a part of. I have been with pursue it - youll find others who sharethe team for the last four years, and as the current president, your vision, and together, youll make anI dedicate most of my time towards addressing the issue of impact. diversity in the veterinary professions. Next Steps: I aim to make our work unnecessary by creating a professionI believe this challenge is largely rooted in a lack of accessibility. where diversity is the norm. I want toYoung people from minority backgrounds are typically less expand our network, collaborate withlikely to apply or successfully enter pathways linked to parents and veterinary organisations, andveterinary science and other animal-related professions. This encourage others to foster inclusivity inmay be due to a lack of role models, cultural differences, or their communities.financial struggle. Our team works with primary and secondary www.veterinarywoman.co.uk 20'