Honoring Black History Month: Finding My Place in Veterinary Medicine

Honoring Black History Month: Finding My Place in Veterinary Medicine

February 2026

Culture

Born to a Black mother native to Brooklyn and an immigrant Panamanian father who possessed a deep appreciation for the natural world, my upbringing was shaped by the intersection of culture, identity, and environment. I moved between the brownstone-lined streets of Bedford-Stuyvesant, the affluent neighborhoods of Manhattan, and the biodiverse landscapes of Panama. It was a colorful childhood, and one I wouldn’t trade for anything in the world. Exposure to these diverse cultural and ecological landscapes broadened my worldview, molding me into the person and veterinary professional I am today. 

Growing Up in Community

Growing up in Bedford-Stuyvesant during the 90s provided a strong sense of community and collective aspiration. The neighborhood was sustained by local businesses such as candy shops and corner stores and marked by cultural staples including BEC sandwiches and quarter waters (IYKYK). It was home to numerous black working-class families whose members served as educators, crossing guards, tradespeople, librarians, and small business owners. Observing their discipline and perseverance instilled in me the conviction that professional achievement was attainable through sustained effort and dedication. Rather than viewing my environment as restrictive, I saw it as affirming and supportive of my ambitions, no matter how big or small. My community taught me an early lesson: success isn’t about where you start or where you are going, it’s about who supports you along the way.

Learning About Representation

I was also exposed to my mother's professional experiences, which further shaped my understanding of representation and resilience. Working as an administrative assistant at a private equity firm on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, she navigated an environment defined by affluence, prestige, and limited racial diversity. Although the office culture was outwardly courteous and polished, she was often the only black individual in that space. As a child, I was acutely aware of this absence of representation, which initially produced a sense of discomfort. However, observing my mother’s competence, composure, and authority transformed that discomfort into a deep respect for how she showed up every day. Her presence demonstrated both the challenges and the necessity of representation in elite professional environments.

Discovering a Love for Animals

My interest in animals developed early and was significantly influenced by my father. He frequently shared stories of his childhood in Panama, recounting encounters with wildlife, including three-toed sloths he observed in his backyard. These narratives, combined with our weekly tradition of watching nature documentaries, captivated my intellectual curiosity about ecosystems and animal behavior, then a visit to Panama allowed me to explore the biodiversity he had long described first-hand. This direct exposure strengthened my appreciation for animal life and solidified my desire to pursue a profession dedicated to animal health and conservation.

Building a Career in Veterinary Medicine

Throughout my journey in veterinary medicine, I’ve worked alongside colleagues with diverse backgrounds and perspectives that continue to inspire me. I’ve also witnessed meaningful progress — more black professionals, especially black women, represented across every level of the field, from nursing and reception to leadership and executive roles. That growth reflects the future I imagined as a child: a profession where people from all backgrounds don’t just participate — they lead.

Organizations like mine (Bond Vet) are helping shape a future where veterinary professionals from all backgrounds can grow into leaders, supported by the best teammates. For me, that means working in an environment where collaboration is real, mentorship is encouraged, and clinical excellence goes hand in hand with equity and representation. It means being part of a team that values different perspectives — not just during Black History Month, but every day we show up for our patients and for each other.

As I’ve continued my journey here, I’ve seen how intentional culture can create space for people to thrive — whether you’re just starting your career or stepping into your next chapter in veterinary medicine. If you’re someone who wants to feel seen, supported, and inspired by the people around you, Bond Vet is a place where you can grow your skills while helping shape what this profession looks like for the next generation.

This Black History Month, I’m proud to reflect on how far we’ve come — and even more excited about the future we’re building together.