Veterinary Woman and XLVets have confirmed an impressive line-up of key figures to speak at their virtual event on 29^th September. Alongside past-presidents and representatives including Amanda Boag (RCVS), Daniella Dos Santos (BVA), Wendy Nevins (BVNA), Catriona Curtis (SPVS), and Jenny Hull (BCVA), the event features business owners, practice and referral hospital founders, clinical directors and HR directors.

Women working within the leadership ranks of some of the headline industry sponsors will also be sharing their career journeys, including Tina Hunt of Elanco and Libby Sheridan of Purina. Petsapp and Krka are additional headline sponsors; with Krka-sponsored Cream awards Dairy Vet of the Year winner, Sarah Tomlinson, also sharing her experience.

Liz Barton, editor of Veterinary Woman, says “We want to encourage those women who look at others at the pinnacle of their career with awe that anything is possible by taking the first step. This event is designed to inspire vets and veterinary nurses to take those first steps and, within a supportive community, to continue the journey”.

The day concludes with a series of discussion groups to discuss next steps to facilitate more women on their leadership journeys. Kerrie Hedley, COO of XLVets, is organising the sessions; “These discussion groups are a great opportunity for conversation about the future. We know women face systemic and individual barriers to career progression. A key objective of this event is to work towards a world where a woman gets a job because she is a good candidate – rather than to fill a set quota – and where she is not denied opportunities because of gender.

Recordings will be available to anyone who registers for one year after the event. Visit the event website for more detail.