AAVMC and Chewy Health Announce 2026 Chewy Veterinary Leaders

Innovative Partnership Reaches $900,000 in Scholarship Funding Awarded

WASHINGTON, D.C. (January 28, 2026) — Continuing its commitment to foster an inclusive veterinary medicine community, AAVMC, in partnership with Chewy Health, is pleased to announce the 2026 Chewy Veterinary Leaders scholarship recipients.

This innovative program combines financial assistance, professional development resources, and mentorship opportunities to empower underrepresented veterinary students to thrive as future leaders in their field. With the 2026 cohort, the program has awarded $900,000 in scholarships since its inception, underscoring Chewy Health and AAVMC’s shared goal of expanding access and leadership in veterinary medicine.

“We’re honored to partner with Chewy Health to expand access and opportunity within the veterinary profession. By supporting talented emerging leaders from all backgrounds, we are building a more inclusive field that is better equipped to serve diverse communities and advance veterinary care for all,” says Ted Y. Mashima, DVM, AAVMC’s Interim Chief Executive Officer.

The Chewy Veterinary Leaders Program provides a $20,000 scholarship to 15 selected second-year veterinary students from underserved communities, recognizing their academic achievements and leadership potential. Beyond financial support, the program includes bi-monthly peer support sessions, a visit to Chewy’s headquarters for leadership and networking opportunities, and post-graduation enrollment in MentorVet LEAP’s six-month early-career mentorship program. Awardees also gain access to the Chewy Veterinary Leaders alumni network, fostering ongoing community and professional growth.

“With this cohort, the Chewy Veterinary Leaders program reaches a significant milestone. In addition to scholarships, we have provided leadership development opportunities and learning experiences for all participants, bringing our total investment in the program to more than $1 million,” says Mita Malhotra, President of Chewy Health. “This reflects our long-term commitment to expanding opportunity and strengthening the veterinary profession by empowering the next generation of leaders who will shape the future of pet care.”

2026 Chewy Veterinary Leaders
The 2026 recipients were nominated by their institutions and selected for their demonstrated potential to lead and inspire within the field:

• Vitaly Capitaine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
• Jasmine Cobos, Midwestern University
• Natasha George, University of Arizona
• Carolina Gonzalez, University of Georgia
• Dasia Harris, North Carolina State University
• Esmeralda Lopez Hernandez, Cornell University
• Zachary Inniss, The Ohio State University
• Chauntelle Johnson, University of California, Davis
• Christina Lim, University of Missouri
• Crystal Mateo Mendez, Colorado State University
• Marcus McCaskill, Iowa State University
• Maria Rivera, University of Wisconsin–Madison
• Nailah Smith, Purdue University
• Nhi Tran, University of Minnesota
• Joshua Waller, Kansas State University

NOTE TO JOURNALISTS: To schedule an interview with a member of the AAVMC team, contact AAVMC Media Relations. Find more news in our Newsroom.

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About AAVMC
The American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) advances the health and wellbeing of humans, animals, and the environment by strengthening veterinary medical education. Working with its member institutions at accredited colleges and schools worldwide, AAVMC develops educational standards, facilitates research collaboration, and supports curriculum innovation to prepare veterinarians who can address critical challenges, including emerging zoonotic diseases, food safety and security, antimicrobial resistance, and the changing role of animals in society.

About Chewy Health
Chewy’s mission is to be the most trusted and convenient online destination for pet parents and partners everywhere. Chewy Health embodies this spirit with our unparalleled commitment to pets and the people who tirelessly care for them. In response to veterinary care challenges and evolving pet parent needs, Chewy Health is pioneering digital solutions for simple, efficient operations. This leads to more time for hands-on pet care for healthier and happier pets. It is all part of the commitment at Chewy Health to improve the health of every pet by helping to make veterinary professionals’ jobs easier.