The UW School of Veterinary Medicine chapter of Veterinarians as One Inclusive Community for Empowerment (VOICE) has been selected to receive the VOICE National Chapter of the Year Award for 2018-19.
This award honors a VOICE chapter that has organized or sponsored many successful events during the academic year, exceeded programming requirements and continuously supported the development of a positive and welcoming environment, as well as an understanding of diversity and inclusivity, within their local and academic communities.
“It’s always a great feeling to know that our work and efforts as student leaders are recognized,” says chapter president Kyle Granger DVMx’20. “Receiving this award showcases the importance and the impact of everything that we have done and will do in the future. Our mission to create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for students has been, and will always be, our main priority.”
VOICE is a national student-run organization that seeks to increase awareness, respect and sensitivity to differences among all individuals and communities in the field of veterinary medicine. The organization also aims to celebrate diversity within the profession, to encourage campus environments that embrace diversity and promote the success of all students, and to emphasize the importance of cross-cultural awareness in veterinary medicine in order to meet the needs of a diversifying clientele. In addition, VOICE chapters provide leadership and mentorship to youth, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, who are interested in careers as veterinarians.
Throughout the 2018-19 academic year, the UW SVM VOICE chapter has led initiatives aimed at increasing awareness of autism, domestic violence, volunteerism and other subjects; hosted guest lectures on bias, diversity in communication, and the female experience within veterinary medicine; presented workshops related to self-defense, suicide prevention and more; and participated in the Latino Youth Summit, Indigenous Health and Wellness Day and other events focused on topics such as family empowerment and career exploration.
The UW SVM Voice chapter was previously also honored with VOICE’s 2017-18 Programming Excellence Award, which recognizes the most outstanding demonstration among student chapters of leadership, creativity and initiative in building diversity and maintaining the overarching goals and ideals of VOICE.