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OVERVIEW

In 2016, Dr. Annie J. Daniel founded the Institute for Healthcare Education Leadership and Professionals (“iHELP”), a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization) (the-ihelp.org). The National Association for Black Veterinarians (“NABV”) (nabvonline.org) is iHELP’s first initiative. iHELP’s ultimate mission for NABV is to increase the number of Black people in veterinary and increase awareness of the veterinary profession amongst K-12 and undergraduate students through community outreach. The organization’s goal is to remove barriers that prevent Black students from entering the profession by creating a pipeline into veterinary medicine for Black people. Our goal is to provide networking opportunities, high-quality professional development, scholarships, grants, and educational information about veterinary career choices to K-12 students, pre-vet undergraduate students, and students in professional veterinary degree programs. Dr. Daniel’s experiences as a Black woman working in the least diverse organization in the United States inspired her to create this organization.

We envision a veterinary profession that reflects the diversity of the communities it serves. NABV creates a medium for Black people in veterinary medicine to advocate, recruit, and engage future generations. Through pipeline programs, professional development, cultural connection, and community building, we are reshaping what’s possible in veterinary medicine. 

To build a network of individuals and organizations that advocate for increasing the number of Black people in veterinary medicine at every level and profession. 

  • Advocacy: Championing Black representation in veterinary medicine 
  • Support: Equipping our members with tools for success 
  • Community Building: Partnering with stakeholders to create inclusive pathways 
  • DEIA: Centering diversity, equity, inclusion, and access in everything we do 
  • Veterinary medicine remains one of the least diverse professions in the U.S. 
  • Fewer than 2% of veterinarians in the U.S. are Black. 
  • NABV was founded to remove barriers and create opportunities for Black students and professionals in the field. 

NABV builds a pathway into veterinary medicine by: 

  • Creating student chapters nationwide and internationally 
  • Providing scholarships to pre-veterinary and veterinary students 
  • Offering mentoring networks at all stages of the career pipeline 
  • Partnering with K–12 schools and HBCUs for early exposure and support 
  • Supporting career development through internships, externships, and clinical experiences 
  • Hosting conferences and professional development events 
  • Advocating for systemic change within veterinary schools, organizations, and policies 
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  • 28+ student chapters across different universities with 450+ student members; we work with sponsors to fund 150+ students annually to attend our conference. 
  • Record-setting NABV Conference: 
  • 300+ Attendees 
  • 39 Exhibitors 
  • 51 Speakers 
  • 160 Gala Attendees 
  • National features in ABC News, TIME Magazine, Harvard Macy Blog, and others 

Membership Benefits

As an institutional member of NABV, your organization will receive the following benefits:

Complementary Memberships:

  • Your organization will receive two complimentary Professional Membership and two complementary memberships for non-academic staff. 

Branding, Visibility and Recognition 

  • Your institution will receive Recognition as an Institutional Member in each issue of the NABV Newsletters 
  • Your Logo and link to institution website on NABV’s website
  • Your Logo on signage during the NABV Annual Conference
  • Opportunities to sponsor NABV events and initiatives, increasing your organization’s brand awareness within the veterinary community, hosting Critter Fixer’s Vet for a Day at your organization

Advocacy and Networking

  • Pipeline Building: Partner with NABV to create and support student chapters nationally and internationally, enhancing the pipeline for Black students into veterinary medicine.
  • Advocacy: NABV will advocate for policies and initiatives that promote diversity, access and inclusion in the veterinary field.
  • Professional Development: Access high-quality professional development opportunities tailored for Black veterinarians and students, fostering growth and excellence within the field at our annual conference. Discounted registration for NABV’s annual conference and other professional development events.
  • Mentoring Networks: Provide and benefit from mentoring opportunities at both professional and pre-professional levels, ensuring guidance and support for upcoming veterinarians. 
  • Professional Networking: Exclusive access to NABV’s network of Black veterinary professionals, educators, and industry leaders.

 

Educational and Experiential Opportunities

  • Internships and Clinical Experiences: Offer pre-professional internships and clinical experiences to Black students, preparing them for successful careers in veterinary medicine.
  • Scholarships: Support scholarships for pre-vet and vet students, helping alleviate financial barriers and enabling more Black students to pursue their dreams.
  • Educational Outreach: Collaborate with schools to design and implement plans that educate and recruit Black students interested in veterinary careers.

Resource and Career Support

  • Online Resources: Gain access to a wealth of online resources, including current research, application and admissions information, and outreach materials.
  • Career Planning: Provide career planning and advice for professionals and pre-professionals, ensuring they have the tools and guidance needed to succeed in the veterinary field.
  • Public and Private School Engagement: Work with educational institutions to educate teachers, parents, and guidance counselors about careers in veterinary medicine, broadening awareness and interest among Black students.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

  • Cultural Activities: Participate in cultural activities and social networking events designed to build lasting relationships and instill pride within the Black veterinary community.
  • Veterinary Education: Embrace and promote core values of diversity, inclusiveness, and empowerment within healthcare education and organizations, ensuring these values are woven into the fabric of the veterinary profession.

 

By becoming an institutional member of NABV, your organization will not only support the advancement of Black veterinarians but also benefit from the enriched perspectives and experiences they bring to the field. Join us in our mission to build a diverse and inclusive veterinary community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Join NABV today and be a part of the movement to increase the representation of Black individuals in the veterinary profession for more information or to join as an institutional member, please contact: 

JOIN THE MISSION

Join the Movement

Whether you’re a student, veterinarian, educator, or industry partner, you have a role in strengthening the pipeline. Together, we’re creating lasting change, one future Black veterinarian at a time. 

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