The National Association for Black Veterinarians (NABV) is a national and international organization committed to increasing the number of Black professionals in veterinary medicine. Founded in 2016 by Dr. Annie J. Daniel through a 501(c)(3) nonprofit Institute for Healthcare Education Leadership and Professionals (iHELP), with a bold vision: to build a strong, sustained pipeline for Black individuals entering the field of veterinary medicine. NABV is building a future where Black students and professionals are fully represented, supported, and celebrated across the veterinary field. NABV is a national movement to address the underrepresentation of Black professionals in veterinary medicine, which is focused on equity, education, and empowerment.
NABV was created in response to a longstanding truth: veterinary medicine is one of the least diverse professions in the United States. Less than 2% of veterinarians in America are Black. This disparity drives our mission forward.
We are committed to increasing the number of Black veterinarians through early engagement, mentorship, academic and financial support, and career development. From K-12 outreach and partnerships with HBCUs to scholarships, externships, student chapters, and professional development opportunities, NABV provides the critical support and community needed to help Black students not just enter the field—but thrive in it.
We do more than advocate—we take action. Our evidence-based strategies, such as sponsored student travel, annual conferences, and mentorship programs, directly impact lives and career pathways. With hundreds of members, students, and supporters across the country, NABV is a hub for Black excellence in veterinary medicine.
We are proud of our growth and impact—and even prouder of the future we are building. From record-breaking conference attendance to national media recognition, NABV is reshaping the future of veterinary medicine, one student at a time.
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.
NABV builds a pathway into veterinary medicine by:
President
Founder
Administrative Assistant
MS, Student Chapter Coordinator
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.
