Episodes
Thursday Feb 25, 2021
Thursday Feb 25, 2021
Listen in as Junior Saint Preux, past SAVMA Chapter President, and Ross veterinary student chats with Dr. Matt Holland about his journey of perseverance. They discuss everything from diversity, equity, and inclusivity efforts on the Ross Veterinary School campus, to the importance of role models, and knowing when to make your move in life is vital for success.
HOST AND GUEST BIOS:
Dr. Matt Holland
Matt Holland, DVM graduated from the University of Illinois CVM class of 2017. He is a Veterinary & Pre-Vet Student Advocate for the VIN Student Team and his interests are Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion, mental wellness, environmental health, student debt, & policy. His interest in policy led him to Washington, D.C. after graduating, where he completed the AVMA/AAAS (American Association for the Advancement of Science) Congressional Fellowship in the office of Illinois Congresswoman Cheri Bustos and the AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellowship at the USDA National Institute of Food & Agriculture. Originally from a suburb of Chicago, IL, he came to veterinary medicine as a second career. After graduating in 2007 from Drake University with a B.A. in radio and television journalism, he worked as a freelance television producer for various media outlets in Chicago and New York City including Big Ten Network, Major League Baseball Network, and the Chicago Bears. During veterinary school, he found a love for giving back to the profession, and one of his proudest achievements is serving as SAVMA President. He is thankful for the opportunity to keep giving back as a VIN Foundation board member and excited for the future of the VIN Foundation.
Junior Saint Preux
Junior Saint Preux is a 4th-year student at Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. Originally from Orlando, FL he received his Bachelor’s of Biological Sciences from Bethune-Cookman University. After several twists and turns, Junior had to decide between his athletic career in track and field or continuing his education. Through the support of his fraternity brothers of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., he made his way to Florida A&M University Pharmacy School for one semester before ultimately realizing the importance of being passionate about a direction. Junior knew a career in veterinary medicine was his calling with a desire to help both people and animals. Upon starting at Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine he recognized an opportunity to improve the veterinary school experience for himself and his classmates. He began to dedicate his time to SAVMA and was elected Chapter President, where he focused his efforts on addressing the importance of diversity and inclusion and making Ross a safer and more welcoming campus for minorities and underrepresented students. Junior also collaborated with classmates to start the first student chapter of the National Association for Black Veterinarians, creating a safe space for African Americans and allies at Ross. Through this effort, they have also been able to mentor undergraduate students, create their own mentoring program to connect with alumni for guidance and collaborate with the school counselors to address issues regarding the mental health of the minority students. Junior believes in the motto “lifting as we climb,” and continues to focus his efforts in the veterinary profession with this mission.
LINKS AND INFORMATION:
- National Association for Black Veterinarians: https://nabvonline.org/
- SAVMA: https://www.avma.org/membership/SAVMA
- Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine: https://vet.rossu.edu/
- University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine: https://cvm.missouri.edu/
- Omega Psi Phi Fraternity: https://oppf.org/
You may learn more about the VIN Foundation, on the website, or join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.
If you like this podcast, we would appreciate it if you follow and share. As always, we welcome feedback. If you have an idea for a podcast episode, we’d love to hear it!
Wednesday Feb 17, 2021
Wednesday Feb 17, 2021
This episode VIN Foundation Board Member Dr. Matt Holland is having a conversation with Get MotiVETed Co-Founders Dr. Quincy Hawley and Renee Machel. Listen in as they discuss self-improvement, diversity, equity, & inclusion, and mental health.
HOST AND GUEST BIOS:
Dr. Matt Holland
Matt Holland, DVM graduated from the University of Illinois CVM class of 2017. He is a Veterinary & Pre-Vet Student Advocate for the VIN Student Team and his interests are Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion, mental wellness, environmental health, student debt, & policy. His interest in policy led him to Washington, D.C. after graduating, where he completed the AVMA/AAAS (American Association for the Advancement of Science) Congressional Fellowship in the office of Illinois Congresswoman Cheri Bustos and the AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellowship at the USDA National Institute of Food & Agriculture. Originally from a suburb of Chicago, IL, he came to veterinary medicine as a second career. After graduating in 2007 from Drake University with a B.A. in radio and television journalism, he worked as a freelance television producer for various media outlets in Chicago and New York City including Big Ten Network, Major League Baseball Network, and the Chicago Bears. During veterinary school, he found a love for giving back to the profession, and one of his proudest achievements is serving as SAVMA President. He is thankful for the opportunity to keep giving back as a VIN Foundation board member and excited for the future of the VIN Foundation.
Dr. Quincy Hawley
Quincy Hawley, DVM is a 2013 graduate of NC State’s CVM. Dr. Hawley has 6 years of working in small animal general practice. He is the co-founder of Get MotiVETed LLC, a company that provides wellbeing solutions for veterinary professionals and organizations. He is a Certified Professional Coach, self-published self-help and fitness author. Dr. Hawley has experience coaching a variety of veterinary professionals including but not limited to veterinarians, practice managers, and various veterinary hospital support staff. Dr. Hawley is also the president of the NC Association of Minority Veterinarians, a 501-3c non-profit organization with a purpose of improving diversity, inclusion, and cultural competency for the profession. Dr. Hawley volunteers his time as a member of NC State’s CVM admissions committee, and is currently serving his 3rd term doing so. He lives in NC with his wife, 2 daughters, along with their 8 dogs, 1 calico cat and a handful of chickens!
Renee Machel
Renee Machel is a nationally recognized wellbeing speaker, certified life coach, CYT 200 yoga instructor, mindfulness, and meditation guide. As the co-founder of Get MotiVETed she aims to provide a positive impact on people’s wellbeing and enhance the culture within organizations. She has spent nearly 20 years in the veterinary industry as a hospital leader and technician. She now shares her personal story of overcoming wellbeing struggles and key teachings in managing personal and professional wellbeing and development. Additionally, she lives in NC with her blended family, welcoming their newest addition into the world this spring, and of course, her fur-kids Eli & Penelope. As a family, they spend much of their time racing motocross when she and her fiance are not wearing their ‘entrepreneur hats’.
LINKS AND INFORMATION:
- VIN Foundation Vets4Vets® Confidential Support Group: https://vinfoundation.org/resources/vets4vets/
- Get MotiVETed: https://getmotiveted.com/
You may learn more about the VIN Foundation, on the website, or join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.
If you like this podcast, we would appreciate it if you follow and share. As always, we welcome feedback. If you have an idea for a podcast episode, we’d love to hear it!