We were lucky to catch up with Dr. Tierra Price recently and have shared our conversation below.
Dr. Price, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
I believe my purpose is to close the gap in representation of Black veterinary professionals, including but not limited to the positions of veterinarians, technicians, assistants, practice managers, public health officers, practice owners, and leadership in governing bodies. As a veterinary student, I often felt isolated from my classmates and colleagues in the profession of veterinary medicine. In the process of looking for mentors and colleagues I could relate to, I started an Instagram page @blackdvmnetwork to find and highlight Black veterinarians and veterinary students. This is when I realized there was a large gap in resources for Black veterinary professionals and clients and decided to develop BlackDVM Network into an organization.
I also saw the need for inclusion and a paradigm shift in the veterinary community. At times I asked myself, “Why am I doing this?” and really wanted to give up on the idea, especially since BlackDVM Network is the first of its kind as a for-profit social organization in veterinary medicine. But each time I hit a plateau, I’d receive a DM from a student or client about how grateful they were for our page and how we were encouraging them to pursue their passion. Each time I talked with someone I recognized how much an organization like BlackDVM Network could do for the community.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
BlackDVM Network is an online platform for the empowerment of Black veterinarians, technicians, assistants, and students. Our vision is to elevate Black veterinary professionals to their highest potential. We provide a community for Black veterinary professionals to advance their careers and access economic opportunities. We believe successful veterinary professionals are core to the advancement of veterinary medicine.
We offer webinars, discounts, events, education, coaching, and resources to our members who are true thought-leaders in the veterinary industry and are ready to make a difference. Our mission is to develop successful professionals who can inspire others from diverse backgrounds. As a profession that is more than 90% White and less than 2% Black, we hope to change the “norm” and show pet owners as well as aspiring veterinarians that (even if it’s a small number) there are veterinary professionals they can relate to.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
1. Don’t be afraid of failure. This is cliché, but it’s important. We shy away from big tasks often because we are afraid we won’t be successful. I’ve failed over and over again with website design, social media, recruitment, marketing, building the right team, etc. And each of those failures allows me to learn and improve for the next time.
2. Be patient. Starting a new organization is hard because it’s a new concept and unfamiliar to everyone. You are building something from the ground up and that will take time. The vision for BlackDVM Network came to me over 3 years ago and it still isn’t what I envisioned it to be. But I am being patient with my vision, myself, and others.
3. Build a strong team. Meet people, network, and build genuine connections. Use this as an opportunity to find others who are aligned with your values and goals for your organization. As one person, you can only do so much. Building a team will help you to expand your vision in ways you never knew were possible.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
There are so many mentors and so many people that have shown their support along the way. I’m very grateful for them. One of my most influential mentors is Sadie Kurzban, CEO of 305 Fitness, who leads a wonderful community. She has encouraged me to trust my gut, not be afraid to dream big, and to challenge the status quo. As a mentor, she helps me sort through my own thoughts which is sometimes the hardest part about making decisions. Her advice has helped BlackDVM Network to grow exponentially and in a direction I never could have imagined. Having mentors and supporters is so important. It gives me the confidence to keep going despite the challenges I face daily.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.blackdvmnetwork.com
- Instagram: @blackdvmnetwork
- Facebook: @blackdvmnetwork
- Linkedin: @blackdvmnetwork
Image Credits
