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 it is important because it is never easy, and sometimes itimprove animal welfare in my country. The job is not done yet, Through mentalonly takes one success story to motivate and inspire anotherbut I am seeing small initiatives taking place. It will be a long health workshops, Iindividual to achieve greatness. You never know who you willjourney, but it is definitely worth it.realised that manyhelp shine! What are the biggest challenges you have encountered veterinarians themselvesHow do you feel this is making a difference? in this journey and how have you overcome them? I believe my efforts are truly making a positive change.One of my biggest personal challenges was stepping out didnt understand how theBy sharing my journey, I hope to inspire others, especiallyof my comfort zone as someone who was shy and avoided industry had impactedwomen in the veterinary field, to break barriers and realisepublic interaction, especially with men. I overcame this by their mental health, andtheir potential. Through my advocacy for responsible petchannelling my love for animals and passion for change. Over that its okay to feel tiredownership and reducing stigma around pets, Im helpingtime, I built confidence pushing myself into leadership roles, foster a more compassionate and understanding community.public speaking, and community engagement. and want a break.Addressing mental health and business management for veterinary professionals is my way of improving well-beingConvincing my family that I was serious about my career and and sustainability within our field. Mentoring students andmy decision to leave a stable job to venture into business was contributing to veterinary education allows me to prepare thea significant challenge. The veterinary and animal industry next generation of professionals. Additionally, founding andin Oman has low animal welfare standards and few ethical managing successful veterinary and grooming centres set arights for pets, making my decision difficult for them to accept. benchmark for innovation and excellence. I truly feel theseI overcame this by demonstrating my dedication, working efforts are creating a ripple effect, advancing both animaltirelessly to establish successful businesses, and proving that welfare and the veterinary community. my vision could create meaningful change. What motivated you to want to change things? Founding Muscat Veterinary Centre and later Muscat Grooming My journey from being a shy introvert to becoming a visionaryCentre required navigating a competitive industry to establish leader has inspired me to help others break out of theircredibility. I overcame this by providing high-quality services, comfort zones, overcome obstacles, and realise their potential,building a strong reputation, and constantly innovating to set ultimately contributing to a more compassionate veterinarymy businesses apart. community. Balancing the demands of running a business with community Ultimately, my passion for animals and love for the veterinaryoutreach and advocacy has been a challenge. I manage this field motivated me to want to change things. More importantly,through strategic time management and prioritising initiatives as a mother of two incredible girls, I want them to know thatthat align with my long-term vision.the sky is the limit. I want them to look at me and know thatAddressing stigma and misconceptions and changing cultural if I can do it, they can too! I know they will grow up strong,perceptions about pets, particularly dogs, required persistence independent, and kind - toward both animals and people. and collaboration. I tackled this by creating educational How have you encouraged other people to get on boardworkshops like the Pawsitively Responsible initiative and with your ideas? promoting awareness through schools and public events.I have been able to convince many decision-makers fromAs a woman striving for leadership, I faced societal challenges the Ministry of Agriculture, industry leaders, and otherand biases. I overcame these to break gender barriers in veterinarians to contribute more to the animal community andleadership by focusing on my goals, gaining certifications, www.veterinarywoman.co.uk 39'