Javelis Marín Castro, member of the Class of 2027, and Vitaly Capitaine, member of the Class of 2028, have been honored by the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) regarding their leadership in diversity, equity, and inclusion.
During their time at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, both veterinary students have participated in various organizations, paving the way for other students from underrepresented communities.
Merck and Lowrie Scholarships
Javelis Marín Castro was one of 16 students nationally selected for the Merck Animal Health Diversity Leadership Scholarship, which annually acknowledges veterinary students for their efforts to advance diversity and inclusion at institutions affiliated with the AAVMC.
From that cohort, Castro was additionally awarded the Patricia M. Lowrie Diversity Leadership Scholarship, which further recognizes students who have exhibited great promise as future veterinary leaders while considering their accomplishments regarding diversity and inclusion.
Castro’s involvement in the veterinary world consists of serving as the national co-president of the Pride Student Veterinary Medical Community (Pride SVMC). “In this role, I have helped organize events such as intersectionality panels highlighting leaders from marginalized identities and pioneered virtual support groups for BIPOC and transgender students to create safe, confidential spaces for community and mutual support,” She said.
Castro also serves as treasurer of the University of Illinois chapter of the Student National Association of Black Veterinarians (SNABV). As part of SNABV she helps create programming that promotes connection and guidance through outreach initiatives, professional speaker panels, and social events.
“Through these efforts, I contribute to building supportive networks, increasing representation, and inspiring future veterinarians from underrepresented backgrounds,” Castro said. “My leadership roles reflect my ongoing commitment to creating inclusive spaces, expanding professional opportunities, and advocating for social justice within veterinary medicine.”
Chewy Veterinary Leaders Program
The Chewy Veterinary Leaders Program awards $900,000 in scholarships to second-year students from underserved communities in recognition of their academic achievements and leadership capabilities. Vitaly Capitaine was one of 15 students nationally selected.
“I look forward to meeting up with my Chewy Veterinary Leadership cohort and getting to know them more,” Capitaine said. “Not only will we be able to discuss our own experiences and how we got to where we are, but I also hope to collaborate with my cohort to set up and improve interschool relations.”
Capitaine serves as the president of the Illinois chapter of the Latinx Veterinary Medical Association (LVMA). “I am so proud of our team,” he said of LVMA, “and all the strides we have made towards making the current veterinary population more mindful and educated about cultural competency and awareness.” He has also served on the board of the Illinois Chapter of Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences (MANRRS) and has been invited to be a guest speaker for undergraduate students regarding graduate school and veterinary school.
“I hope to continue to help support these programs to help our future look more diverse and inclusive,” Capitaine said.
The World After Graduation
For Capitaine, his path after graduation might involve emergency and critical care—he currently works as an assistant at an emergency practice in Chicago and plans to continue that relationship. He also has an interest in mixed animal or equine practice. Capitaine hopes that more exposure to career options during his veterinary studies will help him solidify his future decisions.
“I plan to do the New ER Doctor (NERD) program or a similar training program with mentorship and guidance once I graduate to help solidify my clinical skills as a new graduate,” he added.
Castro’s interests within veterinary medicine include public health, regulatory medicine, forensics, and wildlife medicine. She plans on working as a public health veterinarian for the Food Safety and Inspection Service, an agency of the United States Department of Agriculture.
Castro also aims to remain active in organizations devoted to diversity, like MANRRS, Pride VMC, NABV, and LVMA.
“My dedication to social justice will not end when I graduate; it is a lifelong responsibility,” Castro said. “My goal is to become a role model and mentor, and to build bridges that pave the way to success for all who follow.”
By Chloe Barbarise
