Gabby Elders – 2023 President
Gabby is a second-year student from Dayton, OH, and graduated cum laude from The Ohio State University in 2021 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a double minor in Spanish and Latino/a Studies. She is interested in small animal medicine, specifically general practice and shelter medicine, and hopes to strike a balance between the two to open her own animal hospital/shelter one day. Gabby joined VBMA because she was excited to learn more about business management within veterinary medicine and wanted to become more comfortable networking with other veterinary professionals. In her free time, Gabby enjoys baking, playing soccer with her class intramural team, and watching reality TV.
Miranda Griffin – 2023 President-Elect
Hello! My name is MIranda Griffin! I am a first year DVM Student and am serving as NC State CVM’s VBMA Chapter President-Elect in 2023!I am so excited to be a part of this organization, and help other students continue to learn how to be a successful veterinarian, beyond medicine! I truly believe in VBMA’s core values of empowerment, connection and knowledge, and I am thrilled to get to be a part of the future of veterinary medicine. My hobbies include reading, discovering new trails with my dog ( Plom, 6 year old Pittie), and cooking! If you have any questions, or simply want to chat, don’t hesitate to reach out!
Caitlyn Vester – 2023 Vice President
Caitlyn is a second-year vet student from Rocky Mount, NC. She graduated from Campbell University with a BS in Biology with a double minor in Spanish and Honors Interdisciplinary Studies. She is interested in equine medicine and small animal medicine and hopes to open her own animal hospital one day. She is currently working on obtaining her acupuncture certification for mixed-animal practice from Chi University. Caitlyn joined VBMA in order to learn more about business management and to network with veterinary professionals. In her free time, Caitlyn enjoys weight lifting, spending time with her two dogs Milo and Maple, riding horses, and annoying her husband.
Aileen Nimick – 2023 Secretary
Aileen is in the class of 2025. Originally from New Mexico, she received her BS in marine fisheries from Humboldt State in California and an MS in environmental science from Alaska Pacific University. She then decided she wanted to go to veterinary school. She is currently interested in small animal and exotic emergency and general practice. She is also interested in the business side of things and is thus very excited to be a part of NC State’s VBMA chapter! In her free time she enjoys running, coaching and participating in crossfit, hiking, reading, playing board games, and checking out the area’s many awesome breweries.
Tracy Hall – 2023 Treasurer
Tracy is a second-year student from Jacksonville, NC, and graduated cum laude from North Carolina State University in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science in Zoology and a minor in Military Science. He is interested in small animals and exotic medicine but will be continuing his military career in the Army as veterinarian once he graduates. Tracy joined VBMA because one wanted to expand on his leadership and communication skills and improve his business acumen within veterinary medicine. In his free time, Tracy enjoys weightlifting and playing sports with his friends, getting outdoors or spending time at home with his dogs reading.
Lily Garcia – 2023 Fundraising Chair
Lily is a first-year veterinary student from Columbia, SC. She graduated summa cum laude from Winthrop University with a Bachelor of Science and a minor in chemistry. She is interested in veterinary academia and equine medicine, she hopes to work in a teaching hospital and continue doing research on mental health and well-being. Lily joined VBMA to gain more leadership experience, learn more about business management in the veterinary field, and network with other professionals. In her free time she enjoys working out, baking, reading, spending time with her friends, and watching her comfort TV shows.
Kenny Hlewicki- 2023 Conference Liason
Kenny Hlewicki is a second year veterinary student who aspires to specialize in surgery after completion of her DVM curriculum. She is from Davidson, NC and went to North Carolina State University for undergrad as well. She graduated Summa Cum Laude in three years with a BS in Animal Science with a concentration in Veterinary Bioscience. If she decides to go straight into practice after graduating from the CVM she will be looking for an associate vet position in a small animal general practice. Kenny loves traveling, and has not decided if she would like to practice locally or try moving outside of North Carolina in the future. In her free time she enjoys reading, binge watching shows and movies, and spending time with her dog Mochi.