Why DEIB is Here to Stay: Part 4
As part of a recent qualitative interview project on diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) in veterinary medicine, I had the honor of speaking with four incredible leaders: Dr. Valerie Marcano, Dr. Latonia Craig, Dr. Niccole Bruno, and Dr. Kemba Marshall.
Our conversations explored key challenges and opportunities across four major categories:
· Industry-level issues
· Clinic culture
· Working with diverse clientele
· Pipeline development
This blog is the final post in a four-part series highlighting major DEIB themes across interviews, as well as strategies for creating lasting change. In this article, we turn our attention to the pipeline—the journey from early exposure to long-term career support—and how intentional mentorship, outreach, and resources can shape a more inclusive veterinary future.
Methods
To explore what it takes to build a strong, diverse pipeline into veterinary medicine, I conducted semi-structured interviews with four veterinary leaders working across education, advocacy, and organizational change. Transcripts were recorded, transcribed, then key themes were identified related to recruitment, mentorship, access, and professional development.
Meet the Interviewees
Dr. Valerie Marcano is the co-founder of Pawsibilities Vet Med, a 501c3 nonprofit that leverages mentorship, professional development, and resources to empower current and future veterinary professionals. Her insights stem from years of advocacy, mentoring, and frontline DEIB work—all while balancing a full-time career and personal passions like playing in a band.
Dr. Latonia Craig serves as the Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer at the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Before joining the AVMA, Dr. Craig served as Assistant Dean for Diversity at Purdue University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Her academic journey includes graduate work in Pan-African Studies, a second master’s in Urban Educational Leadership, and a doctorate focused on race and gender perceptions of leaders.
Dr. Niccole Bruno is the founder of blendVETⓇ, an organization dedicated to advancing DEIB in veterinary medicine. Inspired by her own experiences as an underrepresented professional, she transitioned from clinical practice to focus on building a more inclusive future for the profession—especially for the next generation. Through blendVETⓇ, she leads DEIB training, student and parent programming, and community-based access-to-care initiatives.
Dr. Kemba Marshall is a veterinary leader whose diverse career—spanning private practice, emergency medicine, corporate leadership, and research—has shaped her commitment to equity, inclusion, and professional growth in veterinary medicine. She recently served as editor of the newly released book Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Veterinary Medicine, a collection that explores the challenges and opportunities for creating a more inclusive profession.
What is DEIB?
Before we jump into interview themes, I think it is helpful to understand what DEIB is.
DEIB stands for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging. Within the context of pipeline development, DEIB means making sure people from all backgrounds not only have the opportunity to enter veterinary medicine—but are supported, mentored, and welcomed throughout their career journey.
Diversity – The presence of differences in identity, background, experience, and perspective (e.g., race, gender, ability, socioeconomic status).
Equity – Ensuring fair access to opportunities, resources, and support based on individual needs and circumstances.
Inclusion – Creating environments where all people feel welcomed.
Belonging – Feeling comfortable and accepted in a particular group.
Key Themes in Serving Diverse Clientele
1. Mentorship Is Everything
“Honestly, mentorship is the biggest strategy that we can use.”
One message came through loud and clear: mentorship is the foundation of an inclusive pipeline. Without guidance, encouragement, and visibility, many talented individuals simply don’t see veterinary medicine as a viable path.
Mentorship builds bridges. It connects professionals with those who are just starting out—or who never imagined themselves in this career. Dr. Marcano emphasized that while same-identity mentors can be powerful, allies are equally important sharing
“There aren't enough veterinarians and technicians from historically marginalized communities to mentor every single incoming person from those communities. And the burden shouldn't fall onto us alone. We need allies with DEIB training and a growth mindset, too.”
2. Early Exposure Builds Pathways
Pipeline development doesn’t start in vet school or even in college. By then, many students have already counted themselves out.
“You have to go into schools. You have to show up. Representation matters, even in elementary school.” — Dr. Niccole Bruno
Dr. Bruno shared how blendVETⓇ pathway programs include school visits, parent workshops, and career days—all aimed at planting the seed early. These moments of exposure are often what make the difference between curiosity and commitment.
Dr. Craig also emphasized that effective pipeline programs start with exposure and end with opportunity, “You start with pathway programs, and then you create opportunities for employment. That’s how you build a real pipeline.”
3. Financial Barriers Are Systemic—and Solvable
Veterinary education is expensive, and for many students from underrepresented or low-income backgrounds, the financial hurdle feels insurmountable. The cost of schooling, unpaid internships, and post-grad programs like residencies all contribute to attrition in the pipeline.
“Not everybody’s coming to the same starting line. Some people are funding their entire education alone.” — Dr. Niccole Bruno
Several interviewees emphasized the need for targeted scholarships, debt relief, and paid internships. These aren’t just “nice-to-haves”—they are essential to ensuring the field is accessible to all qualified individuals.
4. Seeing Yourself in the Profession
Representation isn’t just about numbers—it’s about visibility, connection, and feeling like you belong in the space. When students don’t see people who look like them in positions of leadership, teaching, or clinical practice, they may assume they don’t belong either.
“What I hear from veterinary students across the country—especially if they're underrepresented—is that they don’t see themselves in the faculty.” — Dr. Niccole Bruno
Actionable Strategies: What You Can Do Now
1. Mentor Someone—Even Informally
Offer a shadowing opportunity, speak at a school, or simply check in on a student you know.
“I used to show up at career days in New York, on my own time, just to give back.” — Dr. Niccole Bruno
If you’re not sure how to start, reach out to organizations like Pawsibilities Vet Med or blendVETⓇ, who can help connect you to students.
2. Support Pathway Programming
Look for local opportunities to support school-based exposure to veterinary careers. Host a STEM night, offer a clinic tour, or donate supplies to a summer animal science camp.
“Instead of asking your industry partners for another bag of bagels, ask them to help get students in the door. What if we all worked together to fund transportation—so kids who don’t always see clinics like ours can finally walk into one?”— Dr. Kemba Marshall
If you’re in academia or leadership, evaluate your pipeline efforts: Are you recruiting equitably? Are your materials inclusive? Who’s missing—and why?
3. Speak at a Local School or Youth Organization
One of the most powerful ways to support the veterinary pipeline is simply by showing up. Volunteer to speak at a local school, library, after-school program, or youth organization. You don’t need a fancy presentation—just your story, your passion, and your presence.
You can:
Talk to a classroom about your path into veterinary medicine
Partner with organizations like 4-H, MANRRS (Minorities in Agriculture Natural Resources and Related Sciences), FFA, Girl Scouts, or Boys & Girls Clubs
Offer to host a small clinic tour or Q&A with curious students
These moments might seem small to you, but they can be huge for someone else. As Dr. Bruno shared, representation and encouragement in early years can change the trajectory of a life.
4. Advocate for Paid Experiences
Unpaid internships and shadowing may be financially inaccessible to many students. Encourage your clinic or school to offer stipends or create partnerships with nonprofits that help subsidize costs.
5. Sponsor or Donate to a DEIB Pipeline Organization
Even if you don’t have the capacity to mentor or volunteer, you can help fund the work. Organizations often rely on donations to fuel their outreach, mentorship, and support programs.
6. Share the Magic
Veterinary medicine is full of extraordinary moments—tiny sparks that can ignite a lifelong passion in someone else. Whether it’s listening to a heartbeat or simply holding a stethoscope for the first time, these moments can change how a young person sees their future.
“We listen to heartbeats all the time—but when’s the last time you asked a young person if they’ve heard one?” — Dr. Kemba Marshall
Invite students—especially those from underrepresented or underserved communities—into the magic. Host an open house. Let them peek behind the scenes. Bring a stethoscope to a classroom. These simple moments don’t require a lot of resources—but they can create belonging before someone even knows the word for it.
Spotlight: blendVETⓇ
One organization making major strides in this area is blendVETⓇ. blendVETⓇ offers innovative programs to support individuals from underrepresented groups within veterinary medicine.
They work with veterinary practices and institutions to develop inclusive workplace cultures and offer certification pathways that prioritize belonging as a core value. In addition, they have:
· Pathway programming and student outreach
· Education for parents
· Access-to-care events that model inclusive service
Their model not only provides exposure to the profession but also ensures individuals receive the guidance and support needed to succeed. Their holistic approach to pipeline development and workplace transformation makes them a vital force in reimagining the future of veterinary medicine.
To learn more about how you can support or collaborate with blendVETⓇ, visit www.blend.vet.
Final Thoughts
Pipeline development is more than recruitment—it’s relationship building. It’s about creating spaces where curiosity can grow, confidence can take root, and careers can blossom for people from all walks of life.
The veterinary profession is filled with talented individuals who care deeply. With mentorship, financial support, early exposure, and community collaboration, we can ensure that everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Thank You for Reading This Series
We hope this four-part series has given you practical tools, inspiration, and a deeper understanding of the many ways DEIB is shaping the future of veterinary medicine.
No matter your role in the profession, you are part of the solution.
Let’s keep the momentum going.
