Our Values

Advocacy:

NABV is committed to advocating for the equitable representation and advancement of Black professionals in veterinary medicine. We will work with veterinary institutions, industry leaders, and policymakers to address systemic barriers and promote inclusive practices in recruitment, retention, and advancement within the profession.

Support:

Our organization is dedicated to ensuring that NABV/SNABV members are well-equipped to succeed in the field of veterinary medicine. Through year-round access to professional development opportunities, mentorship programs, and resources, we will empower our members with the necessary tools and knowledge to thrive in their careers.

Community Building and Partnership:

NABV will build partnerships with veterinary schools, veterinary practices, and industry stakeholders to create collaborative initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion. We will organize an annual Minority Career Day to connect students and professionals with potential employers, facilitate networking opportunities, and support the growth of black faculty through incentives like reduced teaching loads.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Access:

The core value of diversity, equity, and inclusion is at the heart of NABV. We will actively work to promote awareness and understanding of the importance of diversity within veterinary professions, education, and organizations. Our initiatives will strive to create an environment where everyone, regardless of their background, feels welcome and valued.

Our Strategic Goals

• To support Black people, gain veterinary medicine profession by creating a pipeline that provides into veterinary medicine by creating student chapters nationally and internationally.

• Provide scholarships for pre-vet students and vet students.

• Provide a mentoring network opportunity at the professional and preprofessional level.

• Partnerships with pre-K-12 grade schools, pre-health professions programs in HBCUs.

• Provide externships, internships, and clinical experiences for preprofessional.

• Professional Development: membership (both individual and institutional), conferences, grants, and sponsorships

• Take steps to redress the underrepresentation of Black people in veterinary medicine, health professions educational programs, health professions leadership through advocacy, education and training specifically tailored for Black students in pre-K-12, pre-health professions programs in HBCUs.

• Work with public and provide schools that are interested in designing and executing plans to educate and recruit Black students interested in health careers.

• Build a network of individuals and organizations that advocates for increasing the number of Black people in health professions at every level and profession.

• Provide career planning and advice to professionals and pre-professionals.

• Provide online resources – current research, application and admissions information, outreach

• Providing high-quality professional development

• Educating teachers, parents, and guidance counselors about careers in veterinary medicine profession

• Providing educational opportunities, experiential learning, and mentoring opportunities for students.