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DEI and how to continue in animal welfare as a person of color.

  • 1.  DEI and how to continue in animal welfare as a person of color.

    Posted 04-27-2022 06:24 PM
    Everyone,

     I am sure that this title may have caught everyone off guard, however I was encouraged to share my story with you all. This post may be long so just bare with me as I have been debating over and over since last week about making this post.  

     Last week I attended the Animal Expo in Orlando and it was great. One of the sessions what about DEI and the state of animal welfare and where we go from here.  We spoke a lot about how animal welfare is dominated by mostly white women and how it sn be tough for people of color to not enter this field but to also stay in it. 

     The question was asked by a participant how did DEI all of a sudden become so important all of a sudden. The participant stated that they noticed that DEI became popular and common after the untimely death of George Floyd.  The speaker asked if anyone would like to answer the question and  I decided to answer based on my own experiences and things that I have faced while working in animal welfare. 

     I began by letting the room know that DEI became a " thing" in our organzation because after George Floyd's death my organization posted  BLACK LIVES MATTER on social media.  Internally I did not feel that statement was true because our leadership team was only white people. There wa snot 1 person of color on our leadership team and to me that did not feel right if we are going to post black lives matter. I felt like if black lives really mattered then why were we not a reflection of that internally.   I mustered up the courage to email my CEO and have an open conversation with her about the topic and how I truly felt. 

    During my 5 years with my organization  I have experienced more racism than I care to even to talk about however I will do so anyway.  I have been spit at by clients, had objects from paper, cups of coffee to cat carriers thrown at me by clients. I have been called a F-ing N word by clients. I even had a white co-worker tell me that if I kept the leash around my body that I would find myself hanging from a tree.  During these incidents I feel that my organization did nothing to support me or have my back.  Most days I wanted to quit and give up however I felt like the animals needed me and I wanted to make a difference so I stayed.  I have been threatened so much with physical violence or threats to have me fired so much that it does not even phase me anymore.  If I am being honest that fear is so real that I usually apply to 1-2 jobs per week. I must admit that finally after about 1 year or more the employee who made the comment about me hanging from a tree ended uo getting fired. 

     I spoke a lot aboit how I started as a receptionist at the front desk and in 5 years I as able to climb the ladder and become director. That was a huge deal for me because after 20 years  I am the first BLACK director that my organization has had.  I have learned that people gravitate to what they can I dentify with. Having a black person on the leadership team means that all the people who look like me and feel like they do not belong have a place. They have an attainable dream that they can feel and see.     I must say that I am very proud of that accomplishment. 

     Please keep in mind that what I am saying is not law. These thoughts are from my own personal experience and what  I feel. 

     I have come to realize that through my encounters and experience that most white people are in animal welfare becasue they are looking to be the savior. They want to save the world and that is an easy thing to feel because they have never really had experience of poverty, homelessness,starvation, descrimination or any of that just because they were born with a certain skin color. Most people of color in animal welfare are not looking to be a savior but are looking to survive and this is the only means for them. Majority of them live check to check, may be on some sort of government assistance just to barely make the ends meet.   I also spoke about how the people who are working from home are making decisions without even speaking to the people who work on the frontlines and are actually doing the work. 

     The only way that things will ever change is if we start to have these umcomfortable conversations and address the real issues.  The only way that this dynamic will shift is if people of color are willing to speak up about how they truly feel and others are ready, willing and have open hearts to listen.   Racism in animal welfare is  deal REAL  it is something that myself and the people who look like me face daily.  

     I know that I am talented.  I was able to open up our organizations first low cost clinic without an instruction manual and it is doing well.  In my current role I do everything from hiring employees, scheduling, ordering, training, coaching, and many other things. The only thing that I do not do in my clinics are surgeries, and see clients as this is illegal because I am not a doctor.  I have the talent, the knowledge , the skills, the drive and I have a bachelor's degree, however there are still alot of times where I feel inadequate in the presence of my counterparts just because of the color of my skin.  The most hurtful part about it is that I truly LOVE what I do and I truly care about these animals and making a difference in the lives of the animals and people in my community but I am not sure how long that will last.   I say that not because I cannot do the work, I feel that  I have so much to offer animal welfare however I am not sure how much longer I can continue to value and give so much  to an industry that I feel  does not value me or my contributions to the animals, staff and clients that come into my care.  I have been through a lot of things in my life from poverty, to rape and homelessness however animal welfare has been the hardest  thing to go through by far. 

     I know that I have so much more to give to the animals, clients and my staff but part of me wants to just walk away and go to a different industry and part of me wants to stay and fight for change and fight to make a difference not just for the animals but for the people as well.  Remember that people do not leave jobs they leave environments and organizations. Please make sure that you let your teams know that you value them or you will lose them. Losing good people and people who are the core of companies or departments and be very costly to an organization. 

     If anyone has a similar story or experience  I would love to hear about it. 
     If anyone has any questions, or concerns I'd love to hear those as well. 
     If this is a subject that you are not comfortable talking about or just do not want to address  I respect that as well. 

     Thank you all for letting me share such a heavy topic.  I was going to post anonymously because of the fear of others reactions but if I do that then I am not helping to change things. 

     This post is dedicated to my friends  Sharon, Shelly and Lisa who I met at expo last week. These ladies were open to conversation and encourage me to post so this is for you ladies.  This is also for anyone in animal welfare that has experienced any of the things I mentioned. Please know that  I am here for you, you are not alone and we are in this fight together. 

    #AccesstoCare
    #AdmissionsandIntake(includingIntake-to-placement)
    #AdoptionsandAdoptionPrograms
    #Behavior,TrainingandEnrichment
    #CaseManagement*
    #CommunityCatManagement
    #CommunityPartnerships*
    #Conferences,WorkshopsandWebcasts
    #DataandTechnology
    #DisasterRelief
    #Diversity,Equity,InclusionandJustice
    #EducationandTraining
    #FieldServicesandPublicSafety*
    #FosterPrograms
    #FundraisingandDevelopment
    #LawsandPublicPolicy
    #MarketingandSocialMedia
    #Medicine,SurgeryandSterilization
    #OrganizationalManagement
    #PeopleManagement(includingVolunteerIntegration)
    #PetSupportServices*
    #Rehoming
    #RemoteCustomerService*
    #ReturntoHome(LostPetReunification)
    #TransfersandTransport

    ------------------------------
    Marissa Reid
    Clinic Director
    LifeLine Animal Project

    -----------------
    Access To Care Specialist
    Clinic Management Specialist
    ------------------------------


  • 2.  RE: DEI and how to continue in animal welfare as a person of color.

    Posted 04-27-2022 11:04 PM
    I am very sorry these things happened to you Marissa and that the people who should have had your back didn't.

    ------------------------------
    Julie Levy
    Maddie's Shelter Medicine Program at the University of Florida
    Million Cat Challenge
    https://sheltermedicine.vetmed.ufl.edu/
    ------------------------------



  • 3.  RE: DEI and how to continue in animal welfare as a person of color.

    Posted 04-28-2022 06:32 AM
    Julie,

     Thank you so much. I appreciate your support. I think it is a learnig lesson for us all and  I appreciate being able to talk about it.  I am hopeful a lot of organizations want to make a change.  I am happy that my organization started a DEI group. I feel its a step in the right direction.

    ------------------------------
    Marissa Reid
    Clinic Director
    LifeLine Animal Project

    -----------------
    Access To Care Specialist
    Clinic Management Specialist
    ------------------------------



  • 4.  RE: DEI and how to continue in animal welfare as a person of color.

    Posted 04-27-2022 11:43 PM
    Hi Marissa,

    I agree wholeheartedly that the only way we can change and grow is through sharing, so thanks so much for sharing your life experiences.  Your 'savior' vs. 'survival' description was really helpful.

    Please stay in the field - we need you!   

    Sheila

    ------------------------------
    Sheila Segurson, DVM
    Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Behaviorists
    Maddie's Fund
    9258608284
    ------------------------------



  • 5.  RE: DEI and how to continue in animal welfare as a person of color.

    Posted 04-28-2022 06:34 AM
    Sheila,

     Thank you so much.  I appreciate you.

    ------------------------------
    Marissa Reid
    Clinic Director
    LifeLine Animal Project

    -----------------
    Access To Care Specialist
    Clinic Management Specialist
    ------------------------------



  • 6.  RE: DEI and how to continue in animal welfare as a person of color.

    Posted 04-28-2022 06:24 AM
    Marissa Reid, you are the leader we all need, just in animal welfare but in this world in this moment. Through your speaking of your lived experience, you bring light into a dim environment and throw open the doors to transformation and possibility. I acknowledge the courage you exhibit on the daily just showing up to work and even just stepping out the front door, and each of us who has the honor of knowing you and knowing of you receives a great gift in your being. The path of growth you are cutting with your own life, body, and soul is truly a path to change.

    Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

    Sarah

    ------------------------------
    Sarah Rosenberg
    Paws Between Homes
    ------------------------------



  • 7.  RE: DEI and how to continue in animal welfare as a person of color.

    Posted 04-28-2022 06:30 AM
    Sarah,

     Thank you so much.  You are a gem as well. I appreciate you and all the work you do for the animals and people in our community.

    ------------------------------
    Marissa Reid
    Clinic Director
    LifeLine Animal Project

    -----------------
    Access To Care Specialist
    Clinic Management Specialist
    ------------------------------



  • 8.  RE: DEI and how to continue in animal welfare as a person of color.

    Posted 05-02-2022 05:08 AM
    Marissa, as I have been following the comments of this conversation, I realize that my earlier response to your post reflected an insensitivity that I am so grateful to acknowledge and redirect. In my earlier comment to you, I had lauded your leadership in this industry which I happen to have personal knowledge of and experience with as someone who worked with you directly for several years. What I did not recognize in my comment is that it is not your leadership that is essential in this reality but rather, more precisely, your truth. And you have presented that truth to this forum so fully and completely. With this truth now thoroughly in our presence, it is for those of US – the non-BIPOC members of your community – to take up the mantle for transformation.

    ------------------------------
    Sarah Rosenberg
    Paws Between Homes
    ------------------------------



  • 9.  RE: DEI and how to continue in animal welfare as a person of color.

    Posted 05-03-2022 01:48 PM
    Sarah,

     Thank you. I know you personally so I did not feel it was insentive. I appreciate your willingness to acklowledge how you feel this may have been insensitve.   I appreciate you.

    ------------------------------
    Marissa Reid
    Clinic Director
    LifeLine Animal Project

    -----------------
    Access To Care Specialist
    Clinic Management Specialist
    ------------------------------



  • 10.  RE: DEI and how to continue in animal welfare as a person of color.

    Posted 04-28-2022 08:48 AM
    Marissa, I am so glad to have had the opportunity to meet you in person last week. Thank you for speaking your truth at that session and for having the courage to share your story here. You are so right that uncomfortable conversations and people like you sharing their lived experiences are the only way change will happen. I hope you will continue in animal welfare, and I truly hope it will start to get easier so you won't have to keep fighting to be seen and heard. I see you. I hear you. And thanks to your bravery, many others will too.

    ------------------------------
    Shelly Thompson
    Director of Operations
    Maddie's Fund
    ------------------------------



  • 11.  RE: DEI and how to continue in animal welfare as a person of color.

    Posted 05-03-2022 01:59 PM
    Shelly,

     It was great meeting you in person as well.  I feel the more that people are open and willing to have these conversations things will get easier.  I will say that my organization has started a DEI group to hopefully make some changes thatw ill start internally so that is a good sign of things to come. 

     I truly appreciate all of the support and encouragement from everyone that was in the session and all the people on this forum. My heart does not want to leave animal welfare however there are many other factors that play apart in it all.  I love what I do and I am sure that one way or another I will get through it. We will get through it. 

     Thank you all.

    ------------------------------
    Marissa Reid
    Clinic Director
    LifeLine Animal Project

    -----------------
    Access To Care Specialist
    Clinic Management Specialist
    ------------------------------



  • 12.  RE: DEI and how to continue in animal welfare as a person of color.

    Posted 04-28-2022 10:02 AM
    Marrissa,

    I'm sorry. 

    Hopefully, in the near future, there will be safer places for you and others to do the work you love. 

    In the meantime, non-BIPOC who seek [claim] to be on the right side of equity should hold colleagues accountable. 
    After all, the inequity Marrissa and others suffer, can not be fixed by them.

    ------------------------------
    James Evans
    Companions and Animals for Reform and Equity
    ------------------------------



  • 13.  RE: DEI and how to continue in animal welfare as a person of color.

    Posted 05-03-2022 02:38 PM
    James,

     Thank you so much. 

     It  is my hope that safe places are established so that myself and others like me can continue to do the work that we love and to continue to make a difference in our community. 

    Accountability is #1 and it is my hope that through not only speaking out but speaking up that opens the doors to holding people accountable.

     You are so right this is not something that people of color can fix. We can only bring it to the forefront. 


     Thanks James. 



    ------------------------------
    Marissa Reid
    Clinic Director
    LifeLine Animal Project

    -----------------
    Access To Care Specialist
    Clinic Management Specialist
    ------------------------------



  • 14.  RE: DEI and how to continue in animal welfare as a person of color.

    Posted 04-28-2022 10:08 AM
    Thank you Marissa for sharing what many people of color may or have experienced in the animal welfare field, and I am following this thread in the hopes that there is some honest solutions to addressing racism and bias behavior in the work place. I understand it is not a comfortable conversation to have, but how would you feel having to work in a facility where an employee has made blatantly racist comments towards you and you are still expected to rise above and give 110% to the live saving work we do. That is not comfortable nor is it right. Just as we are advocates for animals, we need to advocate for safe work spaces for everyone to feel confident that their leadership team has a zero tolerance when it comes to bias, racist, sexist, xenophobic, homophobic, etc behavior from staff, public, and volunteers. I have heard "Well that's not how they meant it" more times then I care to count, and it is so disheartening that an organization would rather defend the behavior rather than address it.

    What are you scared of? 


    ------------------------------
    Auriana Brown
    Placement Manager
    LifeLine Animal Project
    Atlanta, GA
    404-490-1427

    Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Justice and
    Pet Support Services Specialist
    ------------------------------



  • 15.  RE: DEI and how to continue in animal welfare as a person of color.

    Posted 05-03-2022 05:30 PM
    Auriana,

     Thank you so much for speaking on issues that we know are real and actually do exsist.  The response " That's now how they mean it" is the one that I hate the most. To me it is just another way to discount and minimize what people of color go through and it is very demeaning.   It is very disheartening and difficult to continue on in places where the people in  charge would rather defend that behavior isntead of addressing and trying to move forward with change. 

      If I am being completely honest  I hate the fact that I care so much. I hate that I love what I do and want to make a difference. I hate that I want change, I hate that I have made great progress. If I did not care it would be easy to just walk away and n ot worry about it.  I feel an obligation for foght for what is fair, what is right and what is just.

    ------------------------------
    Marissa Reid
    Clinic Director
    LifeLine Animal Project

    -----------------
    Access To Care Specialist
    Clinic Management Specialist
    ------------------------------



  • 16.  RE: DEI and how to continue in animal welfare as a person of color.

    Posted 04-28-2022 02:25 PM
    Hi Marissa -

    I am 100% not surprised to see this post title.
    Thank you so much for speaking in that room!
    Thank you for advocating for yourself and your organization's growth and accountability.

    This labor should not be on BIPOC folks, though.
    White ladies (and men), we have got to collect our people.  

    I certainly don't have the answers, but if anyone every needs an advocate from outside their organization, I'm happy to hear about your needs - message me any time.
    -emily-

    ------------------------------
    Emily Wood
    Director
    Broward County Animal Care
    Fort Lauderdale, FL
    ------------------------------



  • 17.  RE: DEI and how to continue in animal welfare as a person of color.

    Posted 05-04-2022 10:12 AM
    Emily,

    Thank you so much for your response. I truly appreciate your willingness to be an advocate.  Thanks for your support.

    ------------------------------
    Marissa Reid
    Clinic Director
    LifeLine Animal Project

    -----------------
    Access To Care Specialist
    Clinic Management Specialist
    ------------------------------



  • 18.  RE: DEI and how to continue in animal welfare as a person of color.

    Posted 04-29-2022 04:02 AM
    Marissa, 
    Thank you so much for sharing your experience with everyone.  I know it is a tough subject to talk openly about.  Hopefully by starting conversations, keeping conversations going, we as humans can make social changes for the better. I really appreciate you sharing.  


    ------------------------------
    Jaime GreatShield
    Founder/Director
    Sunka Bimaaji
    ------------------------------



  • 19.  RE: DEI and how to continue in animal welfare as a person of color.

    Posted 05-04-2022 10:14 AM
    Jaime,

      it is definitely a tough subject tot alk about. Thank you for taking the time to read my post and engage. I appreciate it.

    ------------------------------
    Marissa Reid
    Clinic Director
    LifeLine Animal Project

    -----------------
    Access To Care Specialist
    Clinic Management Specialist
    ------------------------------



  • 20.  RE: DEI and how to continue in animal welfare as a person of color.

    Posted 04-29-2022 06:56 AM
    Marissa, 

    You are brave for sharing. 

    When I read this, the first thing that popped into my head is you were going to be punished.

    Important note. When people of color share any form or abuse or aggression, it's not always met with listening. Often it's met with a warning, probation, and almost always the duration of their career at the org, filled with passive aggressive treatment that purposely pushes them out or they just get fired because "it wasn't a good fit". If they are lucky, the leadership just moves them to another division, without a raise or promotion ever.

    I hope you prioritize peace in your life. And I hope you know it's not your job to change the current climate.

    ------------------------------
    Jennifer Evans
    CARE
    ------------------------------



  • 21.  RE: DEI and how to continue in animal welfare as a person of color.

    Posted 05-04-2022 10:20 AM
    Jennifer,

     Thank you so much for sharing.  Your observations are beyond accurate. 

    Peace is definitely my priority now. 

     I am making a point to only operate in spaces where I am CELEBRATED not TOLERATED.


    ------------------------------
    Marissa Reid
    Clinic Director
    LifeLine Animal Project

    -----------------
    Access To Care Specialist
    Clinic Management Specialist
    ------------------------------



  • 22.  RE: DEI and how to continue in animal welfare as a person of color.

    Posted 04-29-2022 11:12 AM
    Marissa, 

    Thank you for taking the time to share your very real experiences that I'm sure many people of color can relate to. And I'm sorry that these things continue to happen to you both by the public who you are trying to help and by co-workers who are blind to the racist comments and microaggressions they make on a daily basis.

    Your voice, knowledge and presence in animal welfare is needed. DEI isn't just a "thing" to post about on social media, take a quick course on or a TED talk you can watch for 10 minutes and never take any action. I hope by sharing your experiences others will start to wake up to the reality of the discrimination people of color deal with constantly, seek to educate themselves and that from a leadership level, those in charge realize the importance of prioritizing the education of their staff.   BIPOC people cannot do it alone and being a real ally requires them to speak up when they witness discrimination no matter how uncomfortable it makes them. 

    We've got a long way to go but conversations like these are needed to make any type of progress.

    ------------------------------
    Charlotte Otero
    Community Strategist at Maddie's Fund
    she/her
    ------------------------------



  • 23.  RE: DEI and how to continue in animal welfare as a person of color.

    Posted 05-04-2022 10:22 AM
    Charlotte,

     Thank you so much for your response. I agree this is not just a thing that requires a quick fix to make it all good again. 

     Thank you so much for being part of such a great forum that allows the space to even talk about these issues. 


     Thanks!

    ------------------------------
    Marissa Reid
    Clinic Director
    LifeLine Animal Project

    -----------------
    Access To Care Specialist
    Clinic Management Specialist
    ------------------------------



  • 24.  RE: DEI and how to continue in animal welfare as a person of color.

    Posted 04-30-2022 07:21 PM
    Marissa, I can't imagine how you endured these experiences, as it was gut wrenching to "merely" read about them. I am a white woman who had no idea about the concept of white privilege or the terrible treatment inflicted on POC throughout our nation's history.  I applaud you for speaking your truth and hope it will enable all of us support one another as we strive to help animals. Keep up the good work!

    ------------------------------
    Nancy Peterson
    The National Kitten Coalition
    ------------------------------



  • 25.  RE: DEI and how to continue in animal welfare as a person of color.

    Posted 05-04-2022 10:24 AM
    Nancy,

     and
     Thank you so much for your honest response and your support. As long as I have a voice I will continue to speak up and push for change.

    ------------------------------
    Marissa Reid
    Clinic Director
    LifeLine Animal Project

    -----------------
    Access To Care Specialist
    Clinic Management Specialist
    ------------------------------



  • 26.  RE: DEI and how to continue in animal welfare as a person of color.

    Posted 04-30-2022 09:37 PM
    Thanks very much for sharing your experience Marissa and having the courage to address this issue in a public forum.  I too have also had similar experiences as an African American female large animal veterinarian and Ph.D. research scientist.  The level of education does not matter. Discrimination and abuse has been happening in white dominated professions forever. 

    Please continue to do what you love and what is in your heart.  I know that it is difficult, but your beautiful spirit and bright light will continue to shine through for the benefit of both humans (all races) and the precious animals that we serve.  Helping others is what we do, despite unnecessary and undeserving challenges imposed by others.

    God has your back.  Follow the mission that he has put before you if you feel this is your calling.

    Thanks to all for offering support for Marissa and this issue in this industry and many others.

    ------------------------------
    Terry Morris
    VETS TO VETS UNITED INC
    ------------------------------



  • 27.  RE: DEI and how to continue in animal welfare as a person of color.

    Posted 05-04-2022 10:32 AM
    Dr. Morris,


     Thank you so much for your encouragement and letting me know that  I am not alone. 


     I agree that this discrimination and abuse has BEEN happening in white dominated professions forever. This needs to change.

     I will continue to speak up and fight for this change.  

     You are absolutely correct.  God has my back and he will give me the strength to do his work. 

    Dr. Morris you are amazing. Thank You!!!

    ------------------------------
    Marissa Reid
    Clinic Director
    LifeLine Animal Project

    -----------------
    Access To Care Specialist
    Clinic Management Specialist
    ------------------------------



  • 28.  RE: DEI and how to continue in animal welfare as a person of color.

    Posted 05-03-2022 06:29 PM
    Hi Marissa,

    Wow - thank you so much for your bravery!!

    This is all just my opinion, but I think a confluence of many factors have led to the current focus on the intersection of social justice and animal well-being. The murder of George Floyd in 2020 may have been a tipping point, but the conversations were starting in both animal welfare and philanthropy before then. Pets for Life seems like the perfect example of this. 

    I also think the data might be surfacing now, and diverse voices are being amplified more, but your story, along with Dr. Lila Miller's, tell me this is not a new 'thing'. But I'm glad people are listening. 

    Thank you for sharing your experiences. I also appreciate all you've contributed and the connections you make with people on Maddie's Pet Forum. 


    ------------------------------
    Irene Chansawang
    Maddie's Fund
    ------------------------------



  • 29.  RE: DEI and how to continue in animal welfare as a person of color.

    Posted 05-04-2022 10:38 AM
    Irene,


     Thank you so much for your response. I am just glad that people are listening and willing to have these conversations.

     This is definitely not a new 'thing' however I feel it is  " the thing" we need to address is animal welfare to make change for the people of POC to do the work that they love so much.

     Thanks for being a part of such a great forum that allows conversations like this to take place.

    ------------------------------
    Marissa Reid
    Clinic Director
    LifeLine Animal Project

    -----------------
    Access To Care Specialist
    Clinic Management Specialist
    ------------------------------



  • 30.  RE: DEI and how to continue in animal welfare as a person of color.

    Posted 05-04-2022 07:20 AM
    Thank you for sharing. Thank you for being brave. I'm so glad to have met you (virtually), and so thankful you've stayed on this forum to speak your truth. I hope we are moving toward a better tomorrow, but non BIPOC people MUST and CAN do more now. Talk is cheap. Sending you my ears, my heart and my actions.

    ------------------------------
    Thank you all for all you do!

    Amber Freiwald
    Maddie's Fund
    ------------------------------



  • 31.  RE: DEI and how to continue in animal welfare as a person of color.

    Posted 05-04-2022 10:40 AM
    Amber,

    Thank you so much for your support.  Having this amazing forum here for people to have conversations has been a huge help.  I am so happy to be apart of this forum.  I appreciate you.  I hope your baby is doing well.

    ------------------------------
    Marissa Reid
    Clinic Director
    LifeLine Animal Project

    -----------------
    Access To Care Specialist
    Clinic Management Specialist
    ------------------------------



  • 32.  RE: DEI and how to continue in animal welfare as a person of color.

    Posted 06-03-2022 03:39 PM
    Hello Marissa,

    Hope all is well. I remember your testimony at the DEI workshop at EXPO. It was powerful and a perfect complement to the final minutes of the session. Your voice put a memorable exclamation mark upon the entire session.
    Animal welfare must do better.

    I recognize the great pain and inevitable risk that come with sharing your story, so please know that I see you Marissa. I hear your story and appreciate your courage. Please know that my colleagues and I at CARE - Companions, and Animals for Reform and Equity are committed to amplifying the voices of Black, Indigenous, and other people of color to change the paradigm from animal welfare to human and animal wellbeing.

    We believe the human and animal wellbeing framework in which we're focused provides an opportunity to bring about change in and outside of animal welfare. It's an intersectional approach that intentionally engages social justice issues to build bridges to underserved and invisible communities. Our approach includes racial equity, diversity, and inclusion as one of many issues that require animal welfare's attention to reach pets in these households.

    Your voice is so important and needed. Please know you are not alone and you have like-minded support to lean upon. Please don't hesitate to contact me directly to do so ✊🏾

    Johnny Jenkins
    Chief of Staff, Research & Development
    CARE - Companions and Animals for Reform and Equity

    ------------------------------
    Johnny Jenkins
    The JyOba! Project
    ------------------------------



  • 33.  RE: DEI and how to continue in animal welfare as a person of color.

    Posted 07-26-2022 07:21 PM
    Johnny,


    I am glad that you remember me.  I appreciate your session at the conference and providing a safe space for people to have open conversations about these issues. It was truly a great session and I enjoyed it. 

     I must admit that it was very a very painful and traumatic experience for me if I am being completely honest.  It was definitely hard to know that I was making a difference and that I had the skill, talent, knowledge and capability to make a great change but it wasn't recognized or valued just because I am a black women. It hurt so bad that I finally made the decision to quit my job. 

    It is very painful and embarrassing to be labeled " Loud and Aggressive" because I stood up for what was right, I spoke up if I felt things were not fair. Being called " Loud and Aggressive" and my organization at the time not taking up for me and allowing it to happen showed me that I did not belong there. 

     I love that C.A.R.E is helping bring light to the issues that BIPOC face day to day. I am glad that you and your team are showing the world that these issues are real and animal welfare needs to change.  I am so happy that people like yourself and the team at C.A.R.E, Maddies and other places are making it a point to have conversations that can/will lead to change.

    ------------------------------
    Marissa Reid
    Assistant Practice Manager
    Blue Pearl Specialty and Emergency Pet Hospital

    -----------------
    Access To Care Specialist
    Clinic Management Specialist
    ------------------------------



  • 34.  RE: DEI and how to continue in animal welfare as a person of color.

    Posted 07-22-2022 04:44 PM
    Dear Marissa,

    A colleague sent me this thread today and I had to reach out. Thank you for stepping forward and publicly naming what has been going on in animal welfare for so long. You are not alone and you are bringing light and depth to the lived experience of so many BIPOC people in this industry. Please continue to speak your truth and know that you have support here.

    Sincerely,
    Allison Cardona
    UC Davis Koret Shelter Medicine Program

    ------------------------------
    Allison Cardona
    UC Davis Koret Shelter Medicine Program
    ------------------------------



  • 35.  RE: DEI and how to continue in animal welfare as a person of color.

    Posted 07-26-2022 07:31 PM
    Allison,

     Thank you so much for your post. I am so very happy that one of your colleagues shared this thread with you. To be honest I wasn't expecting so many people to share it let a lone respond to it. Honestly I was just so emotionally drained, hurt, broken and tired.  I was in such a raw state of emotion that I just let it all go. I was so nervous about how it would be received that it took me such a long time to post it. 

    Thank you for your support. I am so very happy that people recognize this is an  issue and want to help make change is such a wonderful thing.  I hope that people continue to share this thread and that it helps others. My hope is that one day I am able to speak boldly in rooms of people who are not BIPOC to let them know the damage that lack of change causes and how it makes people feel and help break down the barrier and bridge the gap. 

     I appreciate you reaching out Allison.  Please tell your colleague I said THANK YOU SO MUCH for sharing.

    ------------------------------
    Marissa Reid
    Assistant Practice Manager
    Blue Pearl Specialty and Emergency Pet Hospital

    -----------------
    Access To Care Specialist
    Clinic Management Specialist
    ------------------------------



  • 36.  RE: DEI and how to continue in animal welfare as a person of color.

    Posted 07-23-2022 06:56 PM
    First of all, I want to say you sound like a boss! Congratulations on all of your successes! I live in the veterinary side of animal welfare (I have a history of working with shelters and rescue organizations too). But I want to say it's not that much different in the veterinary world where less than 5% of veterinarians in the US identify as BIPOC.

    I as a neurodivergent, disabled, cis-gender, queer, BIPOC individual--have a hard time communicating with some of my peers and senior clinicians. Even though you were willing to share your opinions on the murder of George Floyd, you did not have to in that space as the "token" black person in the room. It is really hard to explain the systemic racism in our US history with one conversation--and let's be honest it shouldn't be the job of BIPOC individuals to educate our leadership team on DEI and it's importance.

    As a baby veterinarian, all I can say is keep on keepin' on--you are a valuable member to your job and don't let anyone tell you otherwise. If you need a pick me up or someone to vent to--I am always available. I am big in the DEI space in veterinary medicine and would be happy to chat some time if you want to.

    For the veterinary side there's an organization call Multicultural Veterinary Medical Association (https://mcvma.org/) they have a website and they also have webinars--we love working with veterinary technicians and other professionals in the animal welfare sphere--hopefully you can expand your network and your support system! Again good luck--your story inspires me.

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    Kelly Hewitt
    DVM
    Purdue
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  • 37.  RE: DEI and how to continue in animal welfare as a person of color.

    Posted 07-26-2022 10:45 AM
    Marissa,

    I just wanted to thank you for speaking out. I, a POC, have recently been promoted as Shelter Director in a city with a population of over 85% white residents and it has definitely not gone noticed. Hearing from others and their experiences of racism in animal welfare helps me feel less alone and grateful to have others that understand. I look forward to hearing from others on this subject (regardless of race) so we can all learn and grow from each other. 





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    Jasmine Okeefe
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  • 38.  RE: DEI and how to continue in animal welfare as a person of color.

    Posted 07-27-2022 03:47 AM
    Jasmine,

     Congratulations on your promotion. You are not alone and  I do understand. You will face challenges and the days will get hard but do not give up. It is obvious that you have a lot of talent and skill that are beneficial to the animals in your community. I encourage you to hang in there and continue to make a difference in the shelter and your community.  I am so proud of you and if you ever need any advice, need to vent or just need someone to listen always feel free to reach out.  You are not alone but most of all YOU GOT THIS!!!!!! Congratulations.

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    Marissa Reid
    Assistant Practice Manager
    Blue Pearl Specialty and Emergency Pet Hospital

    -----------------
    Access To Care Specialist
    Clinic Management Specialist
    ------------------------------



  • 39.  RE: DEI and how to continue in animal welfare as a person of color.

    Posted 11-05-2022 09:04 AM
    I completely understand your situation. Being a black animal welfare organization in a world where my face but my face is not a commonplace has been a challenge.  I have met some wonderful people along the way that are very supportive of my organization and the efforts that I'm trying to make it my community. However there are challenges with people inside my own community that look like me, who only trust people who are white.  I can only encourage you to continue your fight because if God put it in your heart it is what your mission is what your mission is. And if you stop what would you accomplish?  The mountain does not go away because you change positions.  Stand tall, fight fight for your dream come and don't let anybody discourage you. I hear your voice!

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    Michelle Robinson
    Cause 4Paws Gary,INC
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