The National Association for Black Veterinarians (NABV) stands as a beacon of hope and change within the veterinary profession, committed to addressing the significant underrepresentation of Black professionals in the field. Founded in 2016 by Dr. Annie J. Daniel, NABV emerged from a profound need for advocacy, mentorship, and community support for aspiring and established Black veterinarians.
TEDx Speaker, Author, and Compassionate Physician
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MedVet Campus visit at 7am
Industry Networking 4 pm
Opening reception – 7 pm at Audubon Zoo
Keynote - Mr. Shawn Rochester at 11 am
Keynote – Dr. Pamela Buchanan at 11 am
Gala – Cocktail Party, Dinner and presentations – 6 pm to 10:30 pm
614 Canal Street | New Orleans, LA 70130
614 Canal Street | New Orleans, LA 70130
Delta Air Lines is pleased to offer special discounts for
NABV Annual Conference & Scholarship Gala
Conference Overview
The 2026 National Association for Black Veterinarians (NABV) Conference represents a critical initiative by the Institute for Healthcare Education Leadership and Professionals (iHELP) to confront the persistent underrepresentation of Black professionals in the field of veterinary medicine. With a strong emphasis on diversity, inclusion, and equity, this national convening will bring together students, professionals, educators, researchers, and institutional leaders to create actionable solutions and amplify Black voices within the veterinary profession.
Through a dynamic program of keynote presentations, panel discussions, student-led sessions, networking opportunities, mentoring events, and a celebratory scholarship gala, the conference aims to inspire, equip, and mobilize attendees to advance change within academic institutions, clinical practice, government, and community-based veterinary services.
This year’s theme, “Inspiring the Next Generation of Black Veterinarians: Empowering Voices for Diversity in Veterinary Medicine,” reflects a shared mission to raise awareness, support inclusive pathways into the profession, and promote leadership among Black veterinary professionals at every stage of their careers.
Conference Goals
Inspire Future Veterinarians
Empower the next generation of Black students to pursue careers in veterinary medicine through exposure to role models, experiential learning, and mentorship opportunities.
Promote Diversity and Inclusion
Address systemic barriers that have contributed to the historical underrepresentation of Black professionals in veterinary medicine, and advocate for policies that advance racial equity and belonging.
Support Academic and Career Pathways
Strengthen the pipeline into veterinary medicine by providing students and pre-professionals with access to scholarships, internships, externships, and professional development resources.
Foster Mentorship and Networking
Facilitate meaningful connections between students, faculty, and practitioners to encourage long-term mentoring relationships and expand professional networks.
Advanced Professional Development
Offer educational sessions, panels, and workshops designed to enhance clinical, academic, and leadership competencies among both students and practitioners.
Build Institutional and Industry Partnerships
Engage veterinary schools, HBCUs, healthcare organizations, and government agencies in collaborative efforts to support student success, recruitment, and retention.
Join us to connect with like-minded professionals, enhance your understanding of racial equity, and help shape a future of inclusivity in veterinary medicine. Don’t miss this opportunity to be a part of the movement! Register now to secure your spot at the conference and the Scholarship Gala, which will highlight and support the next generation of Black veterinarians.
Mark your calendars and be part of the change. We can’t wait to see you there!
Date: June 25-27, 2026
Venue: JW Marriott on Canal Street
Location: New Orleans, LA
For sponsorship opportunities and questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us at info@nabvonline.org.
Don’t miss this remarkable event. We can’t wait to welcome you to the 6th Annual NABV Conference and Scholarship Gala!
As a member of NABV, you will have many opportunities to support our mission to increase diversity, equity, inclusion, and access in veterinary medicine. We need mentors, chapter advisors, committee members to help plan our next conference, professional development activities, ambassadors in K-12 schools to teach students
Five core areas of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access (DEIA) for NABV 2025:
The Intersection of Racism and Veterinary Medicine
By the end of the conference, participants will be able to:
Discuss the status of Blacks in Veterinary Medicine based on data.
In addition to our themed sessions, we welcome General Topics in the following Areas:
Evidence-based practices in Recruitment, Admissions, and Enrollment
We aim to raise awareness of the disproportionate number of Black people in veterinary medicine and develop an action plan to increase diversity and access to the profession by working with other organizations, corporations, and institutions.
Join us in shaping the future of veterinary. For more information, please contact Support
