About The Latinx VMA
The Latinx Veterinary Medical Association was founded in February 2020 by Yvette Huizar and Juan S. Orjuela. Growing up, they experienced a lack of Latinx representation in the veterinary profession. The absence of role models and support made their journey in veterinary medicine challenging, and at times, discouraging. They also observed how language and cultural barriers impacted client education and patient care. The Latinx VMA was created to form a community of Latinx excellence in veterinary medicine. Our community welcomes veterinarians, veterinary professionals, students, and clients. We are also proud to welcome allies that are invested in furthering our mission.
The Latinx VMA hopes to increase the visibility of current Latinx veterinary professionals and inspire more students to become veterinarians. We will also advocate on behalf of Latinx veterinary professionals and Latinx clients. The Latinx VMA wants you to embrace your heritage and help you promote the valuable contribution that you bring to your community. We hope to help you become a leader in our profession by amplifying your voice and providing you with a platform that supports you!
“We want the veterinary profession to reflect the diversity in our society."
OUR MISSION
YOUR GROWTH
To empower Latinx/Hispanic professionals in veterinary medicine and support the next generation of Latinx/Hispanic veterinarians.
OUR VISION
YOUR COMMUNITY
To help create a veterinary community that is representative of our society in order to make veterinary care more accessible to the Latinx community.
LVMA
Pillars of Empowerment
Our pillars of empowerment are the guiding principles for achieving our mission. They include professional development, mentorship, outreach, and scholarship.
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Professional Development
- Offer unique continuing education opportunities
- Connect our members with career opportunities, externships, and internships
- Host Latinx VMA networking events, social nights, and conferences
- Help create more Latinx leaders in our profession
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Outreach
- Increase visibility of Latinx veterinary professionals and leaders
- Educate middle school and high school students in our communities
- Help Latinx individuals pursue a career in veterinary medicine
- Provide educational resources for our Latinx clients
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Mentorship
- Sustain a network of veterinarians through our DVM Directory and mentorship program
- Build a strong mentorship program to support & connect veterinary students and veterinarians
- Encourage LVMA Student Chapter led mentorship programs to support pre-veterinary students
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Scholarship
- Provide meaningful scholarships for veterinary students, pre-veterinary students, and veterinarians
- Offer stipend/grant opportunities to veterinary students
- Create financial support options for disadvantaged students applying to veterinary school or taking the NAVLE licensing exam
MEET OUR LEADERS
Mitsie Vargas, DVM
Dr. Mitsie Vargas has realized her dream over a 30-year career, dedicating each day to her profound love for helping animals and their human companions. Born in the Bronx and raised in Puerto Rico within a challenging family context, cats became her cherished allies and confidants from a young age. This deep connection inspired her at just seven years old to aspire to become a veterinarian, setting her on a path fraught with obstacles but rich in determination. She completed her pre-veterinary studies at the University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez, before achieving her doctorate at Tuskegee University.
Upon earning her degree in 1994, Dr. Vargas initially focused her practice on feline care in Miami. However, her professional interests soon expanded, leading her to work with a wide range of exotic animals. In 1996, she founded the AAHA-certified Orchid Springs Animal Hospital, where she has since been committed to delivering high-quality medical and surgical care for small and exotic animals.
Dr. Vargas’s journey into veterinary medicine took a pivotal turn when she embraced an integrative approach, particularly after conventional methods fell short in managing her German Shepherds’ pain. This led her to explore acupuncture at Chi University in 2009, a decision that profoundly influenced her career and philosophy toward animal care. Her success with acupuncture spurred further certifications in food therapy, herbal medicine, Tuina, medical manipulation, and canine rehabilitation, marking a significant transition to a holistic care paradigm.
Today, Dr. Vargas balances her time between her practice, where she continues to work three days a week, and her contributions to veterinary education as an assistant professor. Additionally, she dedicates her time to volunteering within her community and internationally with the Christian Veterinary Mission, embodying her commitment to service and the well-being of animals worldwide
Rafael Senos
Vice-President (President-elect)
Dr. Senos was born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. His early experiences in a biotechnology technician program at the Centro Federal de Educação Tecnológica de Química de Nilópolis, his work as a professional dog trainer, and a lifelong passion for animals and nature inspired him to pursue veterinary medicine. Dr. Senos earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the Universidade Federal Fluminense, followed by both a Master’s and a Doctorate of Science in the Anatomy of Domestic and Wild Animals from the Universidade de São Paulo. Driven by a love for teaching, he later completed an additional Master’s degree in Education from Tufts University in the United States.
Dr. Senos began his academic career in Brazil, dedicating himself to teaching and supporting student success at the Universidade Federal Fluminense, Faculdade de Castelo, and Universidade Estácio de Sá, while specializing in small animal orthopedics and laboratory animal medicine. In 2016, he relocated to the U.S., where he conducted research at Michigan State University, the University of Michigan, and Johns Hopkins University. He also taught at Tufts University before accepting his current appointment as a Senior Lecturer at Cornell University.
Growing up in the diverse environment of Rio de Janeiro—and within a system of robust educational inclusion policies—instilled in Dr. Senos a profound respect for diversity. This commitment deepened in the U.S. as he observed the unique challenges faced by ethnic minorities in the veterinary profession. At Tufts, he was honored to serve as the advisor for the local Latinx Veterinary Medical Association (LVMA) chapter. After moving to Cornell, he joined the national LVMA board as the Director of Student Affairs, serving for one term before being appointed Vice President (President-elect).
In his free time, Dr. Senos enjoys exercising, spending time by the ocean, caring for his cacti, and traveling to explore new cultures.
Alexandra Awad
Secretary
Dr. Alexandra Awad is a clinical nutrition resident at the University of Georgia working toward becoming a board-certified veterinary nutritionist. Although originally from Rhode Island, Dr. Awad has roots in Puerto Rico and Egypt. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Animal Science with a minor in Psychology from the University of New Hampshire in 2020. She went on to receive her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Tufts University in 2024. She completed a rotating internship at the University of Tennessee, followed by a specialty internship in internal medicine at Pieper Memorial Veterinary Center.
Dr. Awad’s love of veterinary medicine began during a formative first-grade field trip to a local clinic and grew stronger through her bond with her childhood pets. She recently adopted a kitten named Amira to accompany her through her residency program. Outside of the clinic, she enjoys reading, watching soccer, and traveling.
Willie Bidot
Treasurer
Dr. Bidot was born and raised in Puerto Rico. He obtained a bachelor’s degree in microbiology from the University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez. He received his veterinary degree from Tuskegee University in 2014. He then completed a small animal rotating internship in south Florida and a Comparative Medicine Residency at the University of Missouri. He is currently a Diplomate of the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine and has been working in laboratory animal medicine for over 10 years. He has vast experience working with rodent and large animal models. He currently works as an Associate Professor at Ana G. Méndez University School of Veterinary Medicine.
Paul Miranda
Chief of Operations
Paul Miranda, PGCertVBM, CVPM, RVT brings two decades of leadership and operations experience in veterinary medicine in General Practice, Specialty & Emergency, and Shelter Medicine. His experience includes supporting groups of hospitals across the United States and Canada. Moreover, Paul works with numerous veterinary affinity groups in the equity, inclusion, & diversity space identifying, addressing, and advocating for sustainable and scalable change in the veterinary industry. Today, he serves as the COO of the LatinxVMA and Co-Chair of the Association of Latino Alumni (University of Pennsylvania). He has written and presented on leadership, authenticity, and diversity, equity, and inclusion within the veterinary industry. He completed his studies at the University of Pennsylvania and University of Liverpool. He is a CVPM and RVT. Lastly, Paul is certified in Mental Health First Aid, Brave Space, and FRANK communication.
Ricardo Alvarez
Director of Student Affairs
Dr. Ricardo Alvarez, also known as “the Exovet,” was born in Miami, Florida, and is a first-generation Cuban-American. Ricardo attended Saint Thomas University, where he played collegiate-level baseball and graduated cum laude with a degree in Biology. He then pursued veterinary medicine at Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, graduating in 2025 and completed his clinical rotations at Louisiana State University.
He is passionate about diversity, inclusion, leadership, exotics and wildlife medicine. His dream is to one day be part of a larger mission in veterinary medicine, bringing conservation and exotic animal care to people inspired to help nature and the world we live in. His veterinary interests include exotic animal medicine, small animal medicine, emergency medicine, entrepreneurship, and leadership.
Ricardo is the founder of Exovet, a platform where he shares his journey, advice, and transparent humility across social media created to teach students what he wished he’d known navigating veterinary medicine as the first college graduate in his family.
“A veterinarian is someone who is granted the power to save lives, not prevent death. For death is inevitable, and saving a life is the miracle.”
Juan S. Orjuela
Director of Public Relations
Juan, affectionately known as “Juancho,” was born in Bogotá, Colombia, and raised there until 2001, when his family immigrated to Saint Paul, Minnesota. He earned dual bachelor’s degrees in Biology and Environmental Sciences from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee in 2017 before completing his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree at the Ontario Veterinary College in Canada.
A passionate leader and advocate for diversity and inclusion within veterinary medicine, Dr. Orjuela co-founded the LatinX Veterinary Medical Association, where he previously served as President and Director of Communications before rejoining the board as Director of Public Relations.
His clinical and professional interests include physical rehabilitation, ophthalmology, emergency medicine, and practice ownership.
“¡Creer es poder! – Believe, and you will achieve!”
Let’s connect! LinkedIn
Thomas Vega
Director of Communications
Dr. Thomas Vega is a Chicago based veterinarian, entrepreneur, and veterinary leader. An Afro Latino and second career veterinarian, he earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine.
Dr. Vega is the Founder and Attending Veterinarian of Concierge Companions Vet Med, a mobile veterinary practice providing personalized companion animal care throughout the Chicago area. His professional interests extend beyond clinical medicine to veterinary entrepreneurship, communications, media, and professional leadership.
He currently serves as Director of Communications for the Latinx Veterinary Medical Association, where he is passionate about strengthening the organization’s visibility and amplifying the diverse voices and experiences of Latinx veterinary professionals. He is particularly committed to increasing Latino and Afro Latino representation throughout veterinary medicine and encouraging future generations to envision themselves as clinicians, practice owners, and leaders within the profession.
Through his clinical work, entrepreneurship, and professional service, Dr. Vega strives to help build a veterinary profession that is more visible, connected, and representative of the communities it serves.
Dr. Marina Tejada, DVM
Dr. Tejada is a Colombian-American veterinarian from New York City. She graduated from the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2010, completing a one year shelter medicine fellowship with Cornell University’s Maddie’s Shelter Medicine program in 2017.
She has been a small animal and shelter medicine veterinarian at North Shore Animal League America since 2012, serving as a Supervising Veterinarian since 2014.
Her special interests include shelter medicine, surgery, emergency response, and mentoring pre-veterinary and veterinary students.
She has served multiple terms on the Alumni Association Executive Board at the Cornell veterinary college, is currently a member-at -large of the President’s Council of Cornell Women, and a class representative of her high school alumni association.
Ana Rangel
Director of Membership and Professional Opportunities
Dr. Rangel is a board-certified Large Animal Internal Medicine specialist and faculty member in the Large Animal Medicine Department at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech. Originally from Mexico, she earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the Autonomous University of the State of Mexico and completed a residency at Washington State University.
Her academic interests include clinical research in large animal internal medicine, pharmacokinetics, critical care, and improving diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for equine patients.
As a faculty member, Dr. Rangel is passionate about veterinary education and developing students’ clinical reasoning and critical-thinking skills. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes active learning and connecting concepts from the classroom and scientific literature to real-world clinical cases.
Outside of work, Dr. Rangel enjoys staying active, spending time outdoors with her dog and cat, traveling, learning to play the piano, and discovering new places to eat and explore. She is also passionate about history and arts, and loves visiting museums, attending plays, and exploring the cultural offerings of new places.
FORMER BOARD MEMBERS
Acacia M. Román, DVM
Dr. Acacia Román was born and raised in Puerto Rico. She has her Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from the University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez. She earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Tuskegee University School of Veterinary Medicine in 1994 and owned a mixed animal practice in Puerto Rico from 1995-2008. In 2008, Dr. Román relocated to the state of Georgia and worked as a small animal practitioner for Banfield Pet Hospital in Duluth, Ga until 2012.
In 2012 she joined the Royal Canin USA Scientific Services Veterinarian team where she participated in delivering continuing education programs on nutritional management of diseases of the renal, dermatological, gastrointestinal, urological systems, and obesity.
In 2017 Dr. Román joined the Technical Services Veterinary team at Vetoquinol USA. She supports the company’s sales force and veterinarians in the field. Her professional interests are Internal Medicine, Dermatology, Nutrition, Rehabilitation, and Behavior. Dr. Román continues to practice as a locum veterinarian in the state of Georgia.
Carlos Campos, DVM
Treasurer
Dr. Campos was born in Guatemala City, Guatemala. He immigrated to the US with his family in the late ’80s as a teenager. He graduated from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine in 2002. He has served the Pasco/Hernando residents since graduation. Dr. Campos was a practice owner for 14 years. He was named America’s Favorite Veterinarian in 2013 by the AVMF.
“Follow your dreams and do not hang on to the past.”
Let’s connect! LinkedIn
Dr. Genesis Feliz Jones, DVM
Dr. Genesis Feliz Jones graduated from veterinary school in May 2021 and is currently an associate veterinarian in Raleigh, NC.
Dr. Jones has always taken tremendous pride in the fact that she’s Puerto Rican and Dominican and that she’s able to speak both English and Spanish fluently. However, beginning her career in an area with a large Hispanic population who primarily spoke Spanish allowed her to truly understand the importance/need for Hispanics to have better representation in the field of Veterinary Medicine.
She loves seeing the joy on her Spanish-speaking clients’ faces when they realize the person responsible for treating their animals can speak to them in their language. Trying to understand and decide what’s best for your animal at the vet is already a stressful experience but that stress multiplies significantly when you add communication barriers. She takes her responsibilities as an educator, ambassador, and advocate for her Spanish-speaking clients seriously and is passionate about connecting with her fellow Latinx community on a deeper level.