I have always been interested in animals and science. Having an uncle who worked as a vet, and spending time with him one summer, opened my eyes to the possibility of combining those interests into a career. Realising I could work with animals while applying science sparked my enthusiasm to pursue veterinary medicine. Your career has spanned clinical practice, education, leadership and advocacy.

What have been some of the experiences that have shaped the way you lead today?

The diversity of experiences and opportunities I've had throughout my career has been incredible. Along the way, I've experienced both success and failure. There have been times when I've felt completely lost and others when my confidence has been at its highest. Learning to navigate those highs and lows while staying motivated to learn, understand, engage and keep moving forward has shaped who I am as a leader. It hasn't always been easy, but it's the challenges that have helped shape the way I lead today.

A good example is a project I co-founded called the Culture Roots Collective. When we recently recruited a group of interns, I was keen for them to review all of the work I'd already done and give me honest feedback on how we could improve the hub. Their fresh perspectives were transformational. The hub is now far stronger, more inclusive and reaches communities that we hadn't engaged with before. That experience reinforced an important lesson for me as a leader: the best ideas don't always come from the most senior person in the room, and creating space for others to contribute leads to better outcomes.

What do you enjoy most about your role at IVC?

I really enjoy the community I work with. For me, it's the people who make a job, and I'm surrounded by some incredibly warm, helpful and supportive colleagues. I've also been given a great deal of freedom in my role, which has allowed me to combine my knowledge and experience with the things I'm most passionate about. That combination has enabled me to make my work as inclusive and meaningful as possible.

You've been a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion throughout your career. What inspired you to use your voice to drive change in this area?

Having experienced exclusion and marginalisation in many spaces throughout my career, I reached a point where I felt I had the confidence and experience to challenge the system. I wanted to help ensure that others coming behind me wouldn't have to face the same barriers I did. I was also conscious that a new generation was entering the profession, and we had a responsibility to create an environment where everyone has access to opportunities and support, regardless of their background. It was when I experienced the lowest point of my career because of racism that I decided I could no longer stay silent. Speaking up involved risks, but I believed it was the right thing to do if we wanted to make the profession a better place for everyone.

The veterinary profession has changed significantly over the years. What are some of the biggest positive changes you've seen during your career?

The profession is gradually becoming more diverse, which is encouraging to see. Conversations around wellbeing, diversity, equity and inclusion are also far more visible than they were when I started my career. There is still a long way to go, but we are making progress. I've found that the greatest advances have often come when leaders across the major organisations in our profession have made these issues a genuine priority.

Looking back on your time at IVC, what achievement are you most proud of?

Being given the opportunity to organise and lead the IVCE Farm Congress is probably the achievement I'm most proud of. Although I'd been involved in similar projects before, I'd never led one myself. It was a fantastic opportunity to bring together my experience and expertise while putting my own stamp on the event. I poured everything I had into making it a success, and the feedback was incredibly rewarding. I think many people left having gained something unique that they might not have experienced at other events.

What advice would you give to veterinary students and early career professionals aspiring to leadership roles?

'd encourage people to expose themselves to as many different environments and experiences as possible, and to engage with people from a wide range of backgrounds. Leadership is fundamentally about people—understanding them, communicating effectively and bringing them together around a shared purpose. That doesn't happen if you remain within your own bubble. Leadership isn't just something that's taught; it's developed through your experiences, your curiosity and the relationships you build throughout your career.