Pride Veterinary Medical Community (PrideVMC formerly LGVMA), thanks to the generosity of VCA, Zoetis and Hill’s Pet Nutrition, is proud to award the following leadership grants to the below listed Broad Spectrum veterinary student chapters, each in an amount of $1000.00, for leadership activities and/or programs that are aligned with Pride VMC’s organizational mission and vision.

Atlantic Veterinary College, PEI Canada (Chapter/Group Awardee)

Student Contact: Natalie Tocco

Grant Proposal Goal: The Atlantic Veterinary College Broad Spectrum Chapter plans to get students and faculty more involved with their chapter and to bring inclusivity with the LGBTQIA+ members of the Atlantic Veterinary College. Their goals are to host a Color Run, have a round table discussion with faculty and students about being LGBTQIA+ in veterinary Medicine and host a lecture on Homosexuality in the Animal Kingdom. These goals meet the Pride VMC’s Mission and Vision by trying to fight discrimination and build a collaborative network right within our own community. With the Color Run specifically, they are hoping to use this event as a fundraiser with the proceeds going to Broad Spectrum Veterinary Student Association potentially in the form of a scholarship. Their short term goals are to bring attention to their chapter and their own LGBTQIA+ community seeing that they are brand new and this is the first year they are able to host events. Their long term goal is to have a larger student involvement and host larger events that they can incorporate not just the veterinary college but also the LGBTQIA+ group of the University of Prince Edward Island and Holland College. Total grant award: $1000.00

Colorado State University Broad Spectrum (Chapter/Group Awardee)

Student Contact: Annalise Black

Grant Proposal Goal: The CSU CVMBS Chapter of National Broad Spectrum would like to bring Dr. Ken Gorczyca in from California to discuss how HIV/AIDS status affects pet ownership. Being awarded this funding would help us bring attention to this important pet ownership issue and bring together our local veterinary community for educational purposes. Overall, the goals of this group is to host more events like this to help veterinarians better serve their clients by promoting diversity & inclusion of LGBTQ+ humans. Total grant award: $1000.00

Oregon State University-BSVSA + VOICE Diversity Group (Chapter/Group Awardee)

Student Contact: Corinne Weston

Grant Proposal Goal: In an effort to promote a campus environment that fosters cultural awareness and inclusivity, the OSU combined VOICE and Broad Spectrum chapters are intending to implement a Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine (CCVM) Ally Network initiative. The CCVM Ally Network will consist of self-identified faculty, staff, and students who strive to foster a safe environment for others, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. Each person who chooses to join the CCVM Ally Network will display stickers, magnets, pins, and other visual indicators at their workstation, locker, desk, or office that identifies themselves as a supporter. The short term goals of this initiative include increasing knowledge and awareness of gender and sexuality, fostering an environment where LGBTQ+ individuals feel supported by peers and faculty, and recognizing legal and societal privilege as a heterosexual and/or cis-gendered individual. Their long term goals include an ongoing responsibility to challenge homophobia and transphobia both inside and outside of the veterinary field and to recognition of a lifetime commitment to continuing education and awareness of cultural issues. Their ultimate goal, both short and long term, is to help develop a culture free of homophobia, transphobia, and heterosexism. Total grant award: $1000.00

Pride VMC (formerly LGVMA) is the oldest professional organization that fosters acceptance, inclusivity and leadership for veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and veterinary students, of all sexual orientations and gender identities, and their allies, through community development, professional advocacy, and personal empowerment. Our vision is a veterinary profession in which we all live to our full potential, both personally and professionally, conduct our lives openly and with integrity, and freely share our experience and wisdom for the betterment of and care or ourselves, our profession, our clients and all animals. We hope that the leadership grant awardees will continue to foster and develop further the PrideVMC’s vision. Congratulations to all our award recipients.

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