AAVMC announces Chewy Veterinary leaders Cohort

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This week, the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC), in partnership with Chewy Health, announced the 2025 Chewy Veterinary Leaders Cohort. The Chewy Veterinary Leaders Cohort is a program that combines financial assistance, mentorship opportunities, and professional development to second year veterinary students to help underrepresented veterinary students begin to thrive as a future leader in their field.

“The Chewy Veterinary Leaders Program reflects our commitment to creating a more inclusive and supportive veterinary community,” said Mita Malhotra, president of Chewy Health, in an AAVMC release.¹ “By providing financial assistance, leadership development, and peer mentorship, we’re not only helping students navigate their educational journeys but also empowering them to become the next generation of leaders in veterinary medicine. We are proud to work with the AAVMC to build a stronger foundation for the profession.”

According to the release, the program awards scholarships of $20,000 to the 15 selected second-year veterinary students from underserving communities to recognize their leadership potential and dedication to diversifying the veterinary profession. Along with the scholarship, the chosen students will have access to bi-monthly peer support sessions, leadership training at Chewy’s headquarters, and post-graduation enrollment in MentorVet LEAP’s 6-month early career mentorship program. The awardees will also be granted access to the Chewy Veterinary Leaders alumni network to foster ongoing community and professional growth.

The 2025 Chewy Veterinary Leaders are:

• Jean Alvarado Colon, Colorado State University
• Erynn Black, Mississippi State University
• Aniya Brown, North Carolina State University
• Abigail Ellis, University of Tennessee
• Kayla Grant, Louisiana State University
• Melanie Kicker, Washington State University
• Neena Lynton, Iowa State University
• Ashley McBurney, University of Georgia
• Casimira Millan, Midwestern University
• Gabriela Monico, University of California, Davis
• Paola Pardo, Michigan State University
• Jeremiah Pouncy, Cornell University
• Kennedi Robinson, Purdue University
• Vanessa Salgado, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
• Kathleen Velez, University of Minnesota

“We are proud to partner with Chewy Health to support a more inclusive veterinary profession by equipping talented young leaders with the opportunities they need to propel their careers forward,” said Lisa Greenhill, MPA, EdD, AAVMC chief diversity officer and senior director for Institutional Research. “Championing diversity enables us to better meet the evolving needs of society and advance veterinary medicine for all.”

Each of the chosen students was nominated by their institution and then selected for the potential to lead and inspire within veterinary medicine. The applications for the 2026 cohort will open later in the year, and anyone interested can learn more on the AAVMC website.

Reference

1. AAVMC Names 2025 Chewy Veterinary Leaders Cohort, Awards $300,000 in Scholarship Funds. News release. American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges. January 13, 2025. Accessed January 17, 2025. https://www.aavmc.org/news/aavmc-names-2025-chewy-veterinary-leaders-cohort-awards-300000-in-scholarship-funds/