BlackDVM Network is a networking community that serves as a safe space for Black veterinarians, technicians and assistants to connect, learn, and empower one another.
In this interview, we caught up with Dr. Tierra Price, the visionary catalyst behind the BlackDVM Network. We trace its genesis from an Instagram page highlighting Black voices in veterinary medicine to its transformation into an organization fostering community, resources, and support, we uncover the inspirations, challenges, and aspirations fueling this remarkable movement toward a more inclusive and representative veterinary landscape.
What inspired you to create the BlackDVM Network?
I believe my purpose is to close the gap in representation of and resources for Black veterinary professionals, including but not limited to the positions of veterinarians, technicians, assistants, practice managers, public health officers, practice owners, and leadership in governing bodies.
As a veterinary student, I often felt isolated from my classmates and colleagues in the profession of veterinary medicine. In the process of looking for mentors and colleagues I could relate to, I started an Instagram page @blackdvmnetwork to find and highlight Black veterinarians and veterinary students. This is when I realized there was a large gap in resources for Black veterinary professionals and clients and decided to develop BlackDVM Network into an organization.
I also saw the need for inclusion and a paradigm shift in the veterinary community. At times I asked myself, “Why am I doing this?” and really wanted to give up on the idea, especially since BlackDVM Network is the first of its kind as a for-profit social organization in veterinary medicine. But each time I hit a plateau, I’d receive a DM from a student or client about how grateful they were for our page and how we were encouraging them to pursue their passion. Each time I talked with someone I recognized how much an organization like BlackDVM Network could do for the community.
BlackDVM Network collaborates with various organizations and institutions. How do these partnerships enhance the network’s impact and reach?
Our overall mission is to create a safer space for Black veterinarians, technicians, and assistants to connect, learn, and empower one another. We provide a community for Black veterinary professionals to advance their careers and access economic opportunities. Our dedicated partners and the tangible & intangible resources that they provide to our members and our organization as a whole through various sponsorship opportunities enable us to accomplish that lofty and important mission that we have set to achieve.
In addition to its mission-driven initiatives, the BlackDVM Network actively promotes endeavors that directly contribute to the advancement of Black veterinary professionals. One such impactful initiative is the 2024 BlackDVM Network Calendar, an embodiment of resilience, courage, and love within the veterinary field. Featuring 13 exceptional Black DVMs, veterinary students, and other vet med professionals, this calendar not only serves as a decorative piece in offices and clinics but also shares their inspiring stories.
A portion of the proceeds from calendar sales directly supports the Dr. Jodie G. Blackwell Scholarship Fund for Black veterinary students at Tuskegee University. In 2021, this initiative raised over $100K, providing support to 4 students, and in 2024, the network aims to surpass this remarkable achievement with the continued support of the community.
Buy 3, Get 1 Free using code BUY3 at checkout.
In what ways do you contribute to fostering diversity and inclusion within the broader veterinary community?
BlackDVM Network is an online platform for the empowerment of Black veterinarians, technicians, assistants, and students. Our vision is to elevate Black veterinary professionals to their highest potential. We believe successful veterinary professionals are core to the advancement of veterinary medicine.
We offer webinars, discounts, events, education, coaching, and resources to our members who are true thought leaders in the veterinary industry and are ready to make a difference.
Our mission is to develop successful professionals who can inspire others from diverse backgrounds. As a profession that is less than 2% Black, we hope to change the “norm” and show pet owners as well as aspiring veterinarians that (even if it’s a small number) there are veterinary professionals they can relate to.
How do you envision the network evolving in the next few years, and what impact do you hope it will have on the veterinary profession?
In the next few years, we will continue working toward the following four goals:
- Increasing connectivity: connecting individuals within the Black veterinary community and with others (industry, practices, other employers; pet parents, the general public, etc.)
- Educating and developing individuals within the Black veterinary community within our five focus areas: Medicine, Wellness, Financial Literacy, Entrepreneurship, Professional Development
- Driving individuals within the Black veterinary community to action towards their dreams and goals in vet med.
- Creating successful Black veterinary professionals who feel confident contributing to our industry.
