Partnership to promote diversity in veterinary medicine and more

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The Diversify Veterinary Medicine Coalition (DVMC) has announced that Mita Malhotra, president of Chewy Health, will join the organization’s board of directors. Malhotra will discuss and search for solutions to present challenges the Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) veterinary community face. She will also discover new ways that Chewy Health can further diversify the pet health space to benefit pet parents and veterinary partners.

According to a company release,¹ this comes in tandem with a $100,000 donation from Chewy Health to the organization.

“We are excited to appoint Mita Malhotra, a prominent leader at Chewy, to the DVMC board. This partnership, along with a charitable $100,000 commitment will help further the efforts of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) in the veterinary profession,” expressed Courtney Campbell, DVM, DACVS-SA, chair of the Communications Committee at Diversify Veterinary Medicine Coalition, in the release.¹

He added, “This sponsorship will accelerate our efforts to meet the needs of members of the BIPOC community and other underrepresented groups who are interested in veterinary medical education. Chewy Health on our board means we have a key innovator in the pet health industry thinking about how to positively and demonstrably impact the lives of those who have been historically disadvantaged from pursuing a veterinary degree.”

DVMC focuses on 3 pillars of support including travel grants, scholarships, and internships, all with the goal of finding opportunities for students to be incorporated in veterinary organizations. Chewy Health chose DVMC as a partner of choice because the sponsorship and funding directly support these core pillars.

“I’m honored to join the board of the Diversify Veterinary Medicine Coalition,” said Malhotra. “This organization is meaningful to Chewy because it is focused on growth in an industry that is ripe for innovation and change. We are so excited to bring Chewy’s customer first mindset to this table, as we engage with the veterinary community to champion all things pet. Personally, taking a seat on this board marks a meaningful step as I have seen firsthand throughout my own career the positive innovation and impact that happens when we invite and amplify diverse voices.

This announcement is Chewy Health’s first direct involvement in organizations supporting DEI in veterinary medicine and there will be more in its future. The company is also supporting Pawsibilities Vet Med, the Multicultural Veterinary Medical Association, and a Blend Vet Med pipeline event in Chewy Health’s home state of Florida later in 2023.

Reference

DVMC and Chewy Health partner to nurture an industry ripe for change. News release. Chewy Health. June 7, 2023. Accessed June 7, 2023.