Leading with Pride

VCA and Mars Veterinary Health leaders kicked off Pride month with a panel discussion on what it means to lead with Pride, including the importance of equity, inclusion, and diversity in creating a work environment where people can bring their full, authentic selves to work, and in building a workforce that's reflective of the communities we serve.

Unfortunately, far too many people do not feel safe being their authentic selves at work-a reality that VCA is working to help change for the veterinary profession.

During a panel, participants honored Pride Month by talking about the importance of recognizing and valuing all people, why it's important to celebrate Pride at work all year long, and how Associates can show up for each other as advocates and allies.

The event was met with enthusiasm from Associates. "It's important for Associates to see their leaders talking about Pride, sharing their experiences and visibly showing their support-it's reaffirming," says Michael Gamez, manager of equity, inclusion and diversity at VCA. Nearly 200 Associates tuned in, with many expressing their excitement over hearing leadership-a mix of community members and allies-share their personal experiences and views.

The Importance of Celebrating Pride

The discussion kicked off with a message from the Mars Veterinary Health President Doug Drew who stressed the importance of celebrating Pride at work and inclusivity in the workplace: "It's our passion and purpose to create A Better World for Pets, and you can only do that if you attract the best and brightest-which starts with inclusivity. When people can bring their full selves to work, they can share their thoughts and opinions openly and maintain great relationships with their fellow Associates, no matter their background or experience."

Dr. Nick Nelson, president of VCA's sister practice BluePearl Pet Hospital, agreed, pointing out that celebrating Pride is important since it helps Associates feel comfortable being themselves, and feel supported and included-which are key to providing great pet care. He shared that as an ally, "I really became a great leader when I started to share who I am, my personal life. If you can't be authentic, you can't be great."

Some panelists, including Berry Carpenter-Kingi, global vice president for Mars Veterinary Health's P&O team, reflected on their own experiences coming out in a less accepting social climate.

"I attended my first pride celebration in Atlanta in the mid-90s. It was a time when I didn't feel safe, comfortable, or reaffirmed-I didn't have support or a safe space," Berry shared. Attending a Pride celebration, he said, gave him the feeling of safety and community that became a turning point in his personal journey.

Dr. Marie Kerl, chief medical officer at VCA and self-proclaimed "Boomer of the group," recalled how it felt to come out in her 20s in the deep South, long before Pride celebrations were commonplace. "I know how it feels to be closeted-it feels very isolating and causes you to question your own identity," says Dr. Kerl. "I'm really happy that things are changing, and I hope others can avoid that damaging time that I experienced."

Pride 365

At VCA, Pride isn't just a month-long celebration. Resources and celebrations, often created and led by Associate Resource Groups (DRGs) reinforce year-long promotion of equity, inclusion, and diversity. Jam Stewart, vice president for corporate affairs at another VCA sister practice Banfield Pet Hospital, praised the work of ARGs in pushing inclusivity initiatives forward. "Our Pride DRG reached out about some gender identity barriers they were experiencing with one of our vendors. And they voiced their concerns, felt safe doing so. We acted, ensuring that the vendor adjusted their processes around the language they were using-inclusive language."

In 2021, VCA's Pride ARG introduced the Gender Affirmation Associate Resource Guide, which provides support for transitioning Associates. In 2022, the DRG unveiled "Pride in a Box," a blueprint for engaging and activating pride champions at VCA hospitals, keeping pride alive 365 days a year. It supports hospitals showing up in the community to reinforce the message that all are welcome at VCA.

Showing Up for Each Other

Many Associates who participated in the panel shared in the session's comments that working for VCA was their first time feeling comfortable being "out" at work.

"This is the first place I've worked where someone has checked in on me to see how I'm doing and where leaders stand up and push back on those not wanting to display Pride symbols. It's not just lip service," commented Dr. Kerl.

Berry expressed pride in Mars Veterinary Health "leading with courage and thoughtfulness," citing endorsement of Pride VMC's Gender Identity Bill of Rights (GIBOR), which VCA signed last year. The GIBOR creates a foundation to help foster an inclusive environment that is supportive of transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming individuals in the veterinary profession.

Dr. Nelson pointed out how Responsibility, one of our core values, applies to Pride since the scale and strength of VCA's national network allows us to help set the standard for creating inclusive and welcoming environments for Associates, clients and patients.

"Our collective voices can impact a lot," agrees Jam.

Panelists agreed that building connections within communities and focusing on building on commonalities will help advance diversity, equity, and inclusion. "We recognize and value all people, which is important so our workforce reflects our clientele," said Dr. Kerl. "And we're united universally by our love for pets."

Equity, Inclusion & Diversity at VCA

VCA Animal Hospitals is committed to equity, inclusion, and diversity and believes all Associates should bring their authentic selves to work every day. Learn more about VCA's commitment to diversity.

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