Chewy Veterinary Leaders Program awards $20,000 scholarships to 2026 cohort
The program provides financial assistance and leadership opportunities to underrepresented students.
The American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC), in partnership with Chewy Health, has announced the 2026 recipients of the Chewy Veterinary Leaders program, a scholarship and professional development initiative aimed at supporting veterinary students from underserved communities. With the addition of this year’s cohort, the program has awarded $900,000 in scholarships since it was first started in 2024.1,2
The Chewy Veterinary Leaders program provides $20,000 scholarships to 15 second-year veterinary students selected by their institutions. In addition to financial support, the program includes leadership development opportunities, peer networking, and structured mentorship designed to support students as they progress through veterinary school and into practice.
Ted Y. Mashima, DVM, interim CEO of AAVMC, said the partnership reflects a shared focus on expanding access to veterinary education and supporting future leaders within the profession. “We’re honored to partner with Chewy Health to expand access and opportunity within the veterinary profession. By supporting talented emerging leaders from all backgrounds, we are building a more inclusive field that is better equipped to serve diverse communities and advance veterinary care for all,” Mashima said in a news release.1
Beyond tuition assistance, participants engage in bi-monthly peer support sessions and take part in leadership and networking opportunities, including a visit to Chewy’s headquarters. Following graduation, recipients are enrolled in MentorVet LEAP, a 6-month early-career mentorship program intended to support the transition from veterinary school to professional practice. Awardees also gain access to the Chewy Veterinary Leaders alumni network.1
According to Chewy Health president Mita Malhotra, the program has continued to expand since its launch, with total investment exceeding $1 million when leadership development and mentorship components are included. The initiative, she said, reflects Chewy Health’s ongoing commitment to supporting the veterinary profession through education and professional development.
The 2026 Chewy Veterinary Leaders were nominated by their veterinary colleges and selected based on academic achievement and leadership potential. This year’s recipients represent institutions across the United States, including public and private veterinary schools.
The 2026 Chewy Veterinary Leaders are:
Vitaly Capitaine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Jasmine Cobos, Midwestern University
Natasha George, University of Arizona
Carolina Gonzalez, University of Georgia
Dasia Harris, North Carolina State University
Esmeralda Lopez Hernandez, Cornell University
Zachary Inniss, The Ohio State University
Chauntelle Johnson, University of California, Davis
Christina Lim, University of Missouri
Crystal Mateo Mendez, Colorado State University
Marcus McCaskill, Iowa State University
Maria Rivera, University of Wisconsin–Madison
Nailah Smith, Purdue University
Nhi Tran, University of Minnesota
Joshua Waller, Kansas State University
“This innovative program combines financial assistance, professional development resources, and mentorship opportunities to empower underrepresented veterinary students to thrive as future leaders in their field,” said the AAVMC.1
References
- AAVMC and Chewy Health Announce 2026 Chewy Veterinary Leaders. News release. American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges. January 28, 2026. Accessed February 9, 2026. https://www.aavmc.org/news/aavmc-and-chewy-health-announce-2026-chewy-veterinary-leaders/
- AAVMC awards inaugural Chewy Veterinary Leaders Cohort. News release. American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges. March 27, 2026. Accessed February 9, 2026. https://www.aavmc.org/news/aavmc-awards-inaugural-chewy-veterinary-leaders-cohort/