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 TOGETHERI feel that by creating my posts, I show a real insight intoSpeaking to individuals about their personal experiences for the I am outspokenthe world of neurodiversity. Often posts and articles onplatform is really difficult as I find a lot of people will comment, about my experiences,neurodiversity are designed to show the positives and whybut do not want to be involved any further than that. and will happily stand onit is important to keep including neurodivergent individuals.Other challenges are resistance from employers to make But they do not always highlight the struggles neurodivergentadjustments. And actually getting officially diagnosed is really my soapbox. My socialindividuals have to go through just to perform their daily tasks. media has become a bitI am hoping to walk the line between blunt honest experiencesdifficult. Many individuals are self-diagnosed, which furthers resistance from HR and management as there is no proof of of a stream of consciousand education and support for neurodivergent individuals andcondition. at times, where I discussthe people they live and work with. What motivated you to want to change things? What has most helped and motivated you alongmy personal experiencesthe way?alongside more generalAfter I gave birth to my daughter in 2023, I became moreThe support from the community, being able to use friends as and more aware of the effect my neurodivergence has ona sounding board, Emily Holmes from Veterinary Creator Co, information.my day-to-day life, in employment, in self-care, in home management and in parenthood. I found it difficult to articulatehas been a big supporter. Lacey Daniels who facilitated my first what I needed from my employer without feeling like I wasarticle. Seeing the impact small changes can have on individuals selling myself short, and I found that my employer had littleand their quality of life. My own constant battles with my head understanding of the neurodivergent experience either.and a drive to be a better version of myself. I reset my boundaries to focus more on myself and my family,What is the best advice youve been given, or that you and that did not align with how I previously prioritised workwould give to someone else, about driving positive change?commitments over anything else. That motivated me to be theDo not give up, you have value, you are appreciated and youchange that is needed, realising that a lot of beliefs are stigma,are seen. a lot of adjustments dont fit easily into established workWhat are your next steps to continue creating changepractices, and there is a lack of knowledge around rights andfor the better?abilities.Continuing my social media accounts, continuing with writing How have you encouraged other people to get on boardarticles. I am hoping to create some resources with the BVCIS with your ideas? and get involved with the guys over at The Vet Project UK, to I am outspoken about my experiences, and will happily standsupport education. I am hoping to develop some lectures and on my soapbox. My social media has become a bit of a streamspeaking opportunities and have got a column on mental health of conscious at times, where I discuss my personal experiencesin the pipeline with The Veterinary Edge. alongside more general information. I keep in touch with various groups on social media for struggles discussed and ask for feedback regularly. I have requested input from those with a different neurodiverse expression than mine, as I am fully aware of the breadth of different expressions there are.What are the biggest challenges you have encountered in this journey and how have you overcome them?Misinformation, misunderstanding and fear of judgement. www.veterinarywoman.co.uk 25'