Learn More About Our Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Team
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February 1, 2021
Since our Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) team was formed in July of last year, they’ve been dedicated to championing one of VetCor’s many core values - diversity.
The veterinary field has long struggled to attract individuals who come from diverse backgrounds, but that’s slowly changing and it’s a change we hope to contribute to.
Besides, we’re already making progress thanks to the wonderful members of our DEI team:
Melanie Meyer
I’ve been working in the veterinary field, specifically with VetCor, for 15 years now. Throughout that time, I’ve worked as both a hospital manager and a regional manager. Growing up in a diverse neighborhood, I always had an appreciation for diversity, so when my career began and I very clearly saw a lack of diversity in this profession, it didn’t feel right. When I heard that I’d be able to join a diversity task force at VetCor, it aligned perfectly with my values.
I'm proud of what this team has accomplished so far, and I’m so excited for its future. I hope that many more people will join us in making a difference, not only in our profession but also in our country and our world.
Dr. Niccole Bruno
I knew I wanted to become a veterinarian since I was 12 years old, and I quickly learned that the veterinary field was not comprised of many people who looked like me. Very often I’ve been the only person of color in the hospital, at regional meetings, and at conferences. It can be very isolating when you feel like your voice doesn't matter and you don't see yourself represented in leadership. I’ve witnessed and experienced microaggressions from both clients and colleagues and, unfortunately, this toxic culture is common in many veterinary hospitals. And it affects the way we interact with each other and the communities we serve.
It is important for me to join the DEI task force because I want to influence the way we embrace diversity and foster inclusion as a company.
Cesar Molina
I joined the DEI team to make a positive change in the veterinary field. I spent my entire childhood with foster kids and, as you can imagine, many of them were underprivileged people of color. I learned from an early age why it was important to have people of color contribute to solutions to problems. Throughout my career, I experienced racism to some extent from both clients and coworkers. I’m aware that some things aren’t said with the intent to hurt, but they can and do. After joining this team, I found that I had a lot to learn to improve myself and help others improve themselves.
What I want is for every minority and underprivileged employee to understand that they have a lot to offer. I hope to work to diversify the veterinary field in order to help everyone reach their full potential, better understand one another, be open to change and different opinions, and create a cohesive work environment. I want leaders to be able to educate themselves on sensitive topics and be able to discuss them with their staff, and I want staff to feel comfortable with who they are and be able to be their authentic selves at work.
Sue-Anne Gentry
I started my career as a licensed tech in the UK and later moved on to leadership and educational roles. However, throughout the years I’ve worked in this field, I’ve noticed the disparity between the numerous people I’ve worked with and mentored over time.
I joined the DEI team to see what I could do to help others make this a lifetime career, as I have done, and to support them in reaching their fullest potential. I want to see everyone find a job that they feel is worth more than money and to be able to fully apply themselves to that.
My hopes are that, in doing so, we can make this field more diverse, and perhaps VetCor can lead the way.
Timia Baez
I’ve been a vet tech for five years now and I’ve spent two of those years with VetCor. I wanted to be a veterinarian since I was very young, but it didn’t take me very long to realize that the people I read about or saw on TV didn’t look like me. I used to tell my mom I was going to be the first black female veterinarian. She assured me that I wouldn’t be the first, but I’d definitely become one and make a difference in a field that lacks diversity. Once I started working in this field, there were times I didn’t work with any other people of color and I knew that needed to change. Like some of my team members, I’ve also experienced racism and microaggressions from both clients and coworkers. One of my biggest goals has always been to make a difference within the veterinary field and show minority, underrepresented, and underprivileged individuals that they matter and it is possible for them to work in this field.
When I was presented with the opportunity to join the DEI task force, I couldn’t be any happier. I’m motivated to be part of the change that comes to both this company and to the field at large. I’m honored to be one of the faces people can look at to see that there are people who look like them in this field.
If you have questions about our DEI program, or you’d like to get involved, please email diversitymatters@vetcor.com.
