The Dean’s Leaders Program (DLP), sponsored by the Office of Community Belonging and Well-being, is designed to advance academic readiness, professional success and leadership skills for D.V.M. students. 

This cohort-based program is supported by the deans, faculty and staff of the college through community-building, well-being activities and mentorship, along with academic, professional and leadership development. 

Initially envisioned by Lorin D. Warnick, D.V.M., Ph.D.’94, the DLP was designed as a meaningful way to prepare and support students from diverse backgrounds as they embarked on their veterinary education. 

Maya Holguin, D.V.M. '30, from Monroe, NY

DLP's focus on connecting with peers, alumni, and faculty stood out immediately as something that could shape not just my time in veterinary school, but my trajectory as a future leader in the profession. 

Q.  Why did you join the Dean’s Leaders Program (DLP)?

I was excited about the opportunities the program offered. Coming into Cornell CVM, I knew that navigating veterinary school academically was only part of the picture, and that having a built-in community, mentorship, and professional development support felt invaluable, especially as someone stepping into a field where I didn't always see myself represented.

Q. Why did you decide to pursue a D.V.M. degree? 

Growing up, I visited the veterinarian often and saw firsthand the state of homeless and working animals, and the people who relied on them for their daily lives and livelihoods. That was the first time I really tapped into my own empathy and compassion and are qualities I plan to carry with me throughout this profession. 

Q. What are your veterinary career goals? 

Mixed animal medicine, with a particular interest in surgery. Long-term, I hope to move toward practice ownership. 

Q. What were some of your favorite things from the DLP experience?

I loved having the chance to connect with faculty in a genuine way, and spending time with fellow DLP students outside of formal sessions. The sense of community was something I didn't expect to matter as much as it did, but it turned out to be one of the most important parts of the experience. 

Q. What was something you learned or gained confidence in at the DLP?

I gained a real appreciation for the importance of networking and building relationships with faculty early on. I also learned the value of keeping an open mind. What you come in thinking you want to do can change as you go, and that's okay. 

Q. Was there anything that surprised you about the experience?

How connected the group became surprised me most. You're all genuinely in it together, experiencing something for the first time, and you learn quickly that you need to lean on and support each other. Nobody acts like they have it all figured out or that they're better than anyone else. Everyone is on equal footing, learning and figuring it out together. 

Q. As you enter your first year of veterinary medicine, what are your hopes and/or goals?

My biggest priorities are protecting my mental well-being, continuing to build relationships with faculty, and my peers and finding my footing as I adjust to the pace of vet school. I also want to make sure I take full advantage of the clubs and resources available to me