AVMA continues collaborating with women’s leadership initiative

The AVMA will continue collaborating with the Women’s Veterinary Leadership Development Initiative in 2015.

The WVLDI was formed in July 2013 as a grassroots organization initially seeking to bridge the gender gap in the leadership of the veterinary profession. In November 2013, the AVMA Board of Directors established an agreement for the AVMA to provide foundational support to the WVLDI during the inaugural year of the initiative.

The WVLDI grew in scope as it provided learning and discussion forums for those interested in leadership diversity and development. Following a strategic planning session this past summer, the WVLDI board worked with AVMA leaders to continue the momentum of the 2014 partnership. In October 2014, the WVLDI board approved making the nonvoting AVMA liaison position on the WVLDI board into a voting position.

During a December 2014 conference call, the AVMA board approved continued support for the WVLDI in 2015. Up to $24,000 will go toward travel expenses for WVLDI representatives to deliver co-branded presentations focusing on leadership development at national and regional veterinary meetings and to student groups at U.S. veterinary colleges. An additional unrestricted contribution of $15,000 will go toward WVLDI program development and related expenses.

The continuation of the relationship between the AVMA and WVLDI will allow the AVMA to leverage internal areas of expertise in support of the vision and mission of the WVLDI—which are seen as a complement to AVMA efforts in leadership development and in diversity and inclusion.