AAVMC NEWS (CONT.)
to help us reach new levels of performance, accountability and achievement. As a collaborative president, it is im- portant to stay focused on AAVMC’s five strategic pri- orities that ultimately align with the overarching theme of advancing academic veterinary medicine for protecting and improving the health and welfare of animals, people, and the environment.
Why do you feel it is important for women to be rep-
resented in positions of leadership, such as your new position?
In spite of a gender shift in healthcare professions, women are not promoted or even considered for leadership roles equally or in stride with the changing world. We live in a heterogenous society, and we serve heterogeneous pop- ulations in the veterinary profession. It has been clearly documented that there is a need to close the gender gap and when there is gender equality and diversity within the workforce, organizations outperform those organizations that are not trending the same. Terefore, it is important that women take advantage of opportunities to learn the principles of leadership and add those skills to their tool- box regardless of your position in the workplace. Women can use learned leadership skills throughout their career and many times, opportunities are presented to us that we did not realize or think about. Many of us do not dream to be leaders; we just want to be the best that we can be in our discipline and career. Most important, it is critical to take a chance to serve and make a difference for others to achieve and realize their career goals. As women, we also have the awesome responsibility of paving the way for other women as a model by supporting them and en- couraging them to step up and step forward in leadership roles that will advance our beloved veterinary profession at all levels. Women have much to contribute to a healthy and successful organization by influencing, engaging, and modeling a workplace culture more inclusive for women. Let’s get a seat at the discussion round-table and have a voice in the decision-making process that not only im- pacts women but for the common good of all people.
What advice would you offer to young women inter- ested in following a similar career path in veterinary medicine?
Veterinary medicine as other healthcare professions re- quire a strong foundation in science and math. With the expansion of additional skillset needs, it is also critical to acquire transitional or coping skills in health and well-be- ing, and the fundamental academic principles including vital study skills and learning strategies. Stay laser-focused on your career even though there might be detours in your life. As we navigate through a veterinary medical ed-
6 KVMA News
ucation and on to the next chapter in our career, we must realize that we did not ride/walk solo. Te journey was filled with those who encouraged us and even observed potential in us that we did not or could not see in our- selves. Having mentors, advocates, and champions around us are key ingredients that shoulder us along the way. Find those supporters and many times they will find us espe- cially if we are open to professional and personal growth and enrichment. Sharpen those listening skills to receive valuable advice and words of wisdom from those who in- vest in your success. Most importantly, it is always good to express a sense of gratitude. Take a moment to test your courage. Do not be afraid to take a risk with those mini- steps toward a courageous act of change that will benefit others and a good cause for the group as a whole. My ca- reer has been convoluted with successes and disappoint- ments, however, I do not look at the latter as failures, but valuable lessons learned for the next opportunity.
Any other relevant information/facts/advice you’d like to share?
As an educator in veterinary medicine, I believe our re- sponsibility is to not only educate students as competent career-ready veterinary medical graduates, but also pre- pare them to be leaders and become actively engaged in advancing all aspects of the veterinary profession. Rec- ognizing this huge and shared responsibility amongst all veterinary medical educators will in the end make our profession more inclusive and a trusted global leader. Our industry is changing in the make-up of gender rather some feel for the good or bad; however, change is inevita- ble, and we must adapt. Te veterinary profession is now majority female in practice and more than 80% of new graduates are women. However, leadership in corporate practices, academia, and our national associations has not changed to keep pace, although women aspire to obtain leadership roles in the veterinary profession.
I plan to continue to take advantage of leadership oppor- tunities that give me an opportunity to be an impactful leader that will ultimately make our beloved veterinary profession more diverse and more inclusive.
Te AAVMC congratulates Dr. Perry as its first African American female president and looks forward to working together to champion for the advancement of the profes- sion. Learn more about Dr. Perry and Tuskegee Univer- sity School of Veterinary Medicine at the following link:
https://www.tuskegee.edu/programs-courses/col- leges-schools/cvm/cvm-deans-message.
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