Pawsibilities

Pawsibilities is a 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to improve the recruitment and retention of underrepresented groups into the veterinary profession. WIF Founder and CEO, Dr. Monique Y. Wells, is a member of the advisory board.

Through a joint collaboration with Pawsibilities, Hill’s Pet Nutrition, and The Startup Squad, WIF organized two virtual interviews with 13-year-old Ava Dorsey – a girl CEO who operates an entrepreneurial business called Ava’s Pet Palace.

For the past five years, Ava has produced and sold organic pet treats for dogs and cats. She was interviewed by Dr. Tania Otero of Hill’s Pet Nutrition about her selection of ingredients for healthy treats and her motivation for starting and building her business.

In turn, Ava – who would like to become a veterinarian – interviewed Dr. Otero about why she chose to become a veterinarian, the time required to complete a veterinary education, and the courses she (Ava) needs to take to get into veterinary school.

Ava also made a batch of pet treats for the young girls and adults who joined the virtual calls.

Women veterinarians from multiple disciplines and middle school-aged girls from the U.S. and Uganda participated in the second call, which was hosted by Philanthropy Alliance Foundation’s You Me and Them youth podcast. Comments made by the director of the organization that serves the Ugandan girls were particularly enlightening, as she informed conference attendees that Ugandans tend to have a different view on human-animal relationships and have relatively little experience with pet ownership.