About
Leading with Purpose and Humanity
My Story
“Once I saw my veterinarian vaccinating our dogs, that was it. Veterinary medicine became my life’s plan A, B, C, D, E… and every plan after that.”
Veterinary medicine has been my calling, my passion, since I was a little girl. I remember reading The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis when I was younger and believing every bit of it. I thought animals really did have their own worlds, governments, and debates — and I wanted to be a part of that. The intertwining of my world and the animal world was innate and part of the plan from the beginning. My connection to animals took form through our family pets and the small creatures that surrounded me, especially reptiles.
I was fortunate to have a solid support system, led by my parents. As I grew, my interest in caring for animals only deepened. Our family dogs were cared for by our local veterinarian. Family trips to the vet were my first authentic exposure to people caring for animals in a very real way. Those moments mattered. Our family veterinarian just happened to be African American. I was able to witness someone who looked like me doing the thing I wanted to do. My dream of caring for animals and their people suddenly became tangible — and I haven’t let go since.
I was fortunate to have a solid support system, led by my parents. As I grew, my interest in caring for animals only deepened. Our family dogs were cared for by our local veterinarian. Family trips to the vet were my first authentic exposure to people caring for animals in a very real way. Those moments mattered. Our family veterinarian just happened to be African American. I was able to witness someone who looked like me doing the thing I wanted to do. My dream of caring for animals and their people suddenly became tangible — and I haven’t let go since.
When it came time to get my first job, I knew I wanted to work with animals and eventually in veterinary medicine. I didn’t hesitate. I knew this was my path.
My parents knew nothing about veterinary medicine, but they did understand two things— they knew I had to get my hands on animals and make good grades. So that’s what I did. They didn’t quite see the full journey I was about to embark on, but they never said, ‘You can’t.’ If there was a program or opportunity, they found a way to make it happen.
The Jacksonville Florida Museum of Science and History, specifically the Vivarium, was where I landed, surrounded by snakes, tarantulas, and bearded dragons. I still remember the first time my mom came to see one of my live animal shows. She fainted right there in the audience. She hadn’t realized I’d be walking around with a 13-foot boa constrictor wrapped around my body! But even through her shock, she was proud. That moment captured who we both were: me, entirely in my element, and her, supporting me every step of the way.
Contact MeMy parents knew nothing about veterinary medicine, but they did understand two things— they knew I had to get my hands on animals and make good grades. So that’s what I did. They didn’t quite see the full journey I was about to embark on, but they never said, ‘You can’t.’ If there was a program or opportunity, they found a way to make it happen.
The Jacksonville Florida Museum of Science and History, specifically the Vivarium, was where I landed, surrounded by snakes, tarantulas, and bearded dragons. I still remember the first time my mom came to see one of my live animal shows. She fainted right there in the audience. She hadn’t realized I’d be walking around with a 13-foot boa constrictor wrapped around my body! But even through her shock, she was proud. That moment captured who we both were: me, entirely in my element, and her, supporting me every step of the way.
what I stand for
Mission, Vission and Values
My story is what has shaped how I view the industry I love, through a lens of hopefulness and optimism. The journey I have been on is one shaped by my family, mentorships, and access to opportunity. That foundation is what fuels my work today as a speaker, consultant, and key opinion leader.
Our hospitals, and the veterinary profession as a whole, should reflect the diverse voices, experiences, and talents of every person on the team, not just leadership. Our people, our most important resource, deserve opportunities to grow, cross-train, and develop new skills that inspire purpose and connection.
Because at the end of the day, I can’t be the person who takes some six-year-old with that same dream and tells them, “It’s too expensive” or “You don’t belong here.” I want to be part of the endless possibilities that veterinary medicine holds — for animals, for people, and for the profession itself.
Our hospitals, and the veterinary profession as a whole, should reflect the diverse voices, experiences, and talents of every person on the team, not just leadership. Our people, our most important resource, deserve opportunities to grow, cross-train, and develop new skills that inspire purpose and connection.
Because at the end of the day, I can’t be the person who takes some six-year-old with that same dream and tells them, “It’s too expensive” or “You don’t belong here.” I want to be part of the endless possibilities that veterinary medicine holds — for animals, for people, and for the profession itself.
