Knowledge

Center

Making a Place for Everyone

People have an inherent need to belong to a group, place or community. They long to be accepted for who they are – and valued for what they do.

When people are appreciated for their differences and similarities and provided a supportive and safe place to grow, they are empowered to do their best work.

Employees are 3.5x more likely to live up to their full potential when they feel like they belong at work

2018 Belonging Barometer study

Diverse & inclusive teams yield a 66% higher return on investment than less diverse teams

McKinsey & Company, Deloitte

Companies with an inclusive culture are 8x more likely to achieve better business outcomes

McKinsey & Company, Deloitte

Mirroring Our Communities

Our practices and organizations will be more successful when we reflect the diversity of those we serve. Owners of pets and other animals come from various multicultural backgrounds, experiences and needs. Thus, diversifying the veterinary healthcare team at every level allows us to understand and communicate effectively for higher-quality animal care.

Diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) are essential in cultivating and maintaining a culture that fosters both individual and organizational success. By giving people a place to flourish, we create opportunities for them to thrive in the veterinary community.

The First Steps

The road to building greater diversity starts with individual levels of awareness. So, what do we mean when we discuss diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging?

DIVERSITY refers to the respect and appreciation of the physical, cultural and psychological differences and similarities that make each person unique. Valuing diversity in a veterinary environment means embracing and celebrating fellow veterinary professionals that look, talk or think differently – and recognizing that embracing these attributes only strengthens a group or organization.

EQUITY involves removing barriers, presenting attainable opportunities for all, and treating everyone fairly. But treating everyone fairly in an environment doesn’t mean treating everyone the same. Rather, it encourages leaders to recognize differing backgrounds and perspectives, and meeting individuals where they are for optimal success.

INCLUSION entails fostering an open environment where everyone is invited, feels valued and can contribute freely. When people feel included, they also feel inspired to engage further with the veterinary profession, which creates a more positive, satisfying and sustainable environment.
BELONGING means creating a place where individuals feel safe, accepted and empowered to express their opinions and be heard – without fear of judgment, backlash or consequence. A sense of belonging means all people can be their authentic selves and thrive.

What’s Next?

Our ultimate goal is to foster a community of DEIB in veterinary medicine. By providing tools
and resources to support DEIB efforts, we can build a culture where everyone feels respected, valued – and can thrive.

To achieve optimal results, we will provide these groups with a compilation of best practices. And we’ll support measuring success through surveys, employee retention, utilization of materials and other metrics.

For us, it’s about meeting people where they are – and then inviting them to join our journey to a better veterinary community. Check back soon for updates as our initiatives continue to evolve. If you’re interested in getting involved, complete the contact form below.

Ask Us Anything

Quick Links

Get in touch

Linkedin Facebook-square Instagram Twitter

© 2023 Diversify Veterinary Medicine Coalition |

Kemba Marshall, MPH, DVM, DABVP

In her role at the DVMC, Dr. Kemba Marshall brings a decade of private practice experience, a deep understanding of nonprofit operations, and a passion for driving diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) in the animal and agricultural industries. As the newly named Executive Consultant, Dr. Marshall will be responsible for championing the DVMC cause and working toward its goals. Her duties include board and committee organization, governance support, and driving awareness through effective communication.
 
In the veterinary community, Dr. Marshall currently serves as the Director of Veterinary Services at Land O’ Lakes Purina Animal Nutrition Center, where she oversees the diagnostic laboratory and coordinates human-animal safety training, biosecurity and Institutional Care and Animal Use Committee activities. Prior to that, she worked at PetSmart corporate, the University of Texas at Southwestern, IDEXX Laboratories, Metroplex Veterinary Centre and Summertree Animal and Bird Clinic. Dr. Marshall received her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine and her Master of Public Health from the University of Iowa. Published and well-connected within the veterinary community, she specializes in avian and exotic animal medicine.
 
Linkedin-in

Marie Sato Quicksall, DVM, CVA

Immediate Past President, Multicultural Veterinary Medical Association

Dr. Marie Sato Quicksall comes from a multiracial Japanese and American family. She attended The Ohio State University for both her bachelor’s degree and her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. Upon graduating from veterinary school in 2011, she began her professional career as a small animal general practitioner in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, before relocating to the West Coast. She currently practices on Bainbridge Island, Washington. In 2020, Dr. Quicksall completed additional coursework to become certified in veterinary acupuncture. Her professional interests include surgery, pain management and feline medicine.
 
Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) have long been a passion for Dr. Quicksall. As a first–year veterinary student, she founded the Ohio State chapter of VOICE (now known as Veterinarians as One Inclusive Community for Empowerment), later serving as its national president. While living in Pittsburgh, she coached for a group that promotes diversity and inclusion in her other passion: ice hockey. In 2017, she became a founding board member of the Multicultural Veterinary Medical Association (MCVMA) and currently serves as its Immediate-Past President. 
 
Dr. Quicksall is excited to continue her DEI work in new areas with the DVMC to improve and modernize the veterinary profession through antiracism and all aspects of DEI.
 
Linkedin-in

Karen Shenoy, DVM

Chief Veterinary Officer

Having joined Hill’s US in 2008, Dr. Karen Shenoy served in a variety of commercial roles before entering her current role as Chief Veterinary Officer. Dr. Shenoy is well-versed in both veterinary medicine and business, and her resumé includes small animal practice, wildlife rehabilitation medicine, teaching, and professional boards and committees. With a Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Minnesota, Dr. Shenoy dreams of a more diverse, inclusive and sustainable veterinary profession – for all.
Linkedin-in

Timbrala Marshall

Director, Veterinary Equity Inclusion & Diversity Programs

DVM

Dr. Timbrala Marshall has worked as a Veterinarian in the Atlanta area for over 11years. She is currently the Director of Equity Inclusion and Diversity for VCA Animal Hospitals.

In this role, she focuses on creating and nurturing relationships with Historically Black Colleges (HBCUs), Hispanic Serving Institution (HSIs), among other academic institutions. She also helps to build and lead programs to reach and support underserved communities.

Dr. Marshall attended Tuskegee University for her undergraduate studies and became a UNCF Corporate Scholar her Junior and Senior years of college.

Following graduation, she went to Michigan State University, College of Veterinary Medicine and earned her DVM degree. While in Veterinary school, she helped to charter the MSU CVM chapter of VOICE (Veterinarians as One Inclusive Community for Empowerment).

While serving as a Medical Director in practice, Dr. Marshall actively engaged with students through mentorship opportunities and offered shadowing experiences for middle and high school students. Dr. Marshall assisted many students through Veterinary school and is proud to welcome those students back into our profession as colleagues.

Dr. Marshall is honored to be a part of the Diversify Veterinary Medicine Coalition. She was born and raised in Selma, AL where she developed a passion for animal welfare as well as a keen awareness of barriers that often existed for underrepresented groups. She has dedicated her career to merging her two passions and finding ways to create equity and inclusivity within the veterinary profession. The DVMC represents this and is a cause the Dr. Marshall is very proud to be in alignment with.

Linkedin-in

Marissa Rothenbaum

Senior Manager, Provider Skills Training

DVM

Dr. Marissa Rothenbaum graduated from the University of California, Davis – School of Veterinary Medicine in 2011. She joined Banfield as an associate veterinarian the same year. After becoming a hospital leader she transitioned to Banfield’s headquarters as a member of the Veterinary Affairs team. Dr. Rothenbaum has always been dedicated to developing those around her, specifically clinical and communication skills, and enjoys supporting this for all Banfield hosptials. Dr. Rothenbaum is ultimately driven by her deep respect for the human-animal bond and the recognition of the role veterinary providers play in supporting that connection. Working with the DVMC closely connects to her “why” as diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging directly impact the relationship between a pet owner and their veterinary team and the quality of care a pet receives. In addition to her role with the DVMC, Dr. Rothenbaum is an officer for the Multicultural Veterinary Medical Association and is co-lead of Banfield’s Asian and Pacific Islander diversity resource group.

Linkedin-in

Robert Towns

Senior Global Product Manager Supply - Animal Health

Robert received a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the College of Engineering and Architecture at Howard University. Since graduation, he has worked for several fast-moving consumer goods companies within the food industry where he led the development and commercialization of new products and processes to improve sales and profitability. Robert has spent the last five years as a Manager of Industrial Development at Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health leveraging skills acquired in the food industry to drive growth for top brands within the pet segment. In his new role as Senior Global Product Manager Supply AH, he will perform comprehensive product/project management and governance within AH Global Supply for products/franchises throughout the entire product lifecycle.

Robert has a passion for diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging that dates to the beginning of his career as a co-chair for a diversity council, and now in a similar role for the African Heritage Business Resource Group at BI. The DVMC creates another platform in which he can collaborate on initiatives to improve workplace culture and awareness that will lead to more opportunities for people of color to thrive as their authentic selves.

Linkedin-in

Jennifer Ogeer,
BSc., DVM, MSc., MBA, MA

VP Medical Affairs & Commercial Marketing, Antech

As a young girl growing up in the Caribbean, I had always dreamt of becoming a veterinarian. As early as I can remember, I would try to save every sick or injured stray dog and cat I found living on the streets. My mother and elder sister are both life-long caregivers and nurturers, having spent more than 30 years themselves in the medical profession as registered nurses and midwives.

My dedication, hard work and determination were recognized when I received a scholarship more than 25 years ago to study veterinary medicine. I attended the Ontario Veterinary College in Canada and was extremely happy that I could pursue my passion to help animals and serve my communities. There were very few BIPOC students in the veterinary program then – and even less during my internship, residency, and graduate program in critical care. I was blessed to have wonderful, open-minded friends and influential mentors, who always encouraged me to express my individuality and be proud of the contribution I was making to the profession. 

For over a decade in academia as a Professor in Emergency Medicine and Critical Care, and now in my current role as Vice President of Medical Affairs at Antech, I’ve aimed to be a pillar of strength and support to other BIPOC pre-veterinary and veterinary students. It has been both personally and professionally rewarding to represent a positive, resilient role model for students and junior colleagues while helping them overcome obstacles as they also follow their dreams and succeed. 

Through my own journey in veterinary medicine, I understand that people long for that culture of safety and belonging, particularly in the BIPOC community. You must recognize that you’re going in with a higher purpose – and that purpose doesn’t sway based on your race, gender, financial status or ethnic background. My passion for helping animals, inner strength and gracious people along the way have carried me through this journey. I have had many phenomenal mentors that didn’t see me as a woman with a different complexion. Just like me, they cared about helping animals – and people, too. That transcends all boundaries. Looking forward, how do we build a community around us that goes beyond color, gender, race or even economic barriers? That’s the goal of the DVMC – and I’m thrilled to be part of it. 

Courtney Campbell, DVM, DACVS-SA

Board-Certified Veterinary Surgeon Host and Producer of Vet Candy on Watch

I have always enjoyed a challenge. My passion for animal science combined with pre-veterinary curriculum rigor lured me toward a professional career in animal health. However, I noticed that along my career path that role models, mentors or professional symbols that resembled me were noticeably absent. My observation became even more apparent when I realized that I had not met another Black veterinarian until I started vet school at Tuskegee University, a renowned HBCU (Historically Black College and University).

Being the standout amid an environment of high cultural homogeneity can be isolating especially within a profession where bonds, networking and professional connections can be paramount. In the face of this disproportionate reality, I found that I was constantly focused on social maneuvering to avoid feeling “otherized.” From the way that I spoke to the music that I listened to in the veterinary hospital to my hairstyle, my goal was to culturally intermix – or assimilate – with my colleagues. I relied on code-switching so that I didn’t feel like a foreigner in a profession to which I have dedicated my life.  

At times, feeling like an outsider can be shockingly surreal. After a busy day of consultations and surgeries, I scrambled to leave the hospital so that I could attend a local veterinary chapter meeting that I had been looking forward to. I remember arriving at the meeting wearing identical attire to my other colleagues. They often wore plaid shirts and khaki pants. When my colleagues entered the building’s foyer to sign in to the meeting, they were greeted with a collegial, ‘Hello and welcome to the meeting.’ I, on the other hand, was immediately regarded as one of the catering staff. Just before I could completely sign my name and collect a swag bag, the liaison for the company leaned in toward me and said, “Make sure you look to the side when you bring the bread out. I will be sitting to the left and you may not see me.” I paused for a few moments to comprehend fully what she said and what was happening at that moment. I replied amiably, “Hi. I’m Dr. Campbell, nice to meet you.” To her credit, she immediately apologized as I watched her cheeks grow crimson with embarrassment. I have the utmost respect and admiration for the hard-working folks in the catering industry, but that incident and similar scenarios have occurred throughout my professional journey. It reinforces a sentiment that many in the BIPOC community have felt while navigating the veterinary space: ‘you aren’t one of us.’  

Unfortunately, it is commonplace for BIPOC veterinary students and veterinarians to feel a lack of belonging and connection to their profession. It doesn’t have to be this way. The DVMC aims to meet the needs of the BIPOC community and inspire change throughout the industry.  My goal for the DVMC is to feed the appetite and imagination of underrepresented boys and girls who want to be veterinarians. Representation is the universal language of our imagination. We look at people that came before us and say, ‘I can do that.’  

I love being a veterinarian – and I want to inspire more people to be interested in veterinary medicine through activism, mentorship, and financial support.