MEDIA CONTACT:
Madison Croxson
Phone: 202-371-9195 x500
Email: marketing@aavmc.org
WASHINGTON, DC, January 13, 2025 — The American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC), in partnership with Chewy Health, is excited to announce the 2025 Chewy Veterinary Leaders Cohort. 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.
“The Chewy Veterinary Leaders Program reflects our commitment to creating a more inclusive and supportive veterinary community,” said Mita Malhotra, President of Chewy Health. “By providing financial assistance, leadership development, and peer mentorship, we’re not only helping students navigate their educational journeys but also empowering them to become the next generation of leaders in veterinary medicine. We are proud to work with the AAVMC to build a stronger foundation for the profession.”
The Chewy Veterinary Leaders Program provides a $20,000 scholarship to each of 15 selected second-year veterinary students from underserved communities, recognizing their leadership potential and dedication to advancing diversity in the profession. Beyond scholarships, the program includes bi-monthly peer support sessions, a leadership training at Chewy’s headquarters, 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.
“We are proud to partner with Chewy Health to support a more inclusive veterinary profession by equipping talented young leaders with the opportunities they need to propel their careers forward,” said Dr. Lisa Greenhill, AAVMC Chief Diversity Officer and Senior Director for Institutional Research. “Championing diversity enables us to better meet the evolving needs of society and advance veterinary medicine for all.”
The 2025 cohort recipients were nominated by their institutions and selected for their demonstrated potential to lead and inspire within the field. Congratulations to the 2025 Chewy Veterinary Leaders!
- Jean Alvarado Colon, Colorado State University
- Erynn Black, Mississippi State University
- Aniya Brown, North Carolina State University
- Abigail Ellis, University of Tennessee
- Kayla Grant, Louisiana State University
- Melanie Kicker, Washington State University
- Neena Lynton, Iowa State University
- Ashley McBurney, University of Georgia
- Casimira Millan, Midwestern University
- Gabriela Monico, University of California, Davis
- Paola Pardo, Michigan State University
- Jeremiah Pouncy, Cornell University
- Kennedi Robinson, Purdue University
- Vanessa Salgado, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Kathleen Velez, University of Minnesota
Applications for the 2026 cohort will open later this year. For more information, visit https://awards.aavmc.org/.
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About AAVMC
The member institutions of the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) promote and protect the health and well-being of people, animals, and the environment by advancing the profession of veterinary medicine and preparing new generations of veterinarians to meet the evolving needs of a changing world. Founded in 1966, the AAVMC represents more than 40,000 faculty, staff, and students across the global academic veterinary medical community. Our member institutions include Council on Education (COE) accredited veterinary medical colleges and schools in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Caribbean, Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, as well as departments of veterinary science and departments of comparative medicine in the U.S.
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.
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