DEI-P Task Force Takes First Steps with ReadySet Consulting

"We need to look closely at the culture of ICVA with regard to diversity, equity, inclusion, and privilege (DEI-P) because creating a culture that promotes DEI-P is a journey that will likely never end, as true commitment to DEI-P requires continuous reassessment of strategies and initiatives." – Dr. Maureen Wichtel (ICVA DEI-P Task Force Co-Chair)

In line with ICVA’s fifth strategic priority – to improve the understanding of how diversity, inclusion, equity, and privilege impact ICVA’s work, governance, and products – this past fall, ICVA’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Privilege (DEI-P) Task Force sent out a request for proposals to consultants and organizations specializing in DEI-P work, hoping to identify a consultant that was well-equipped to assist with these efforts. Co-chaired by ICVA Board members Drs. Joe Taboada and Maureen Wichtel, the Task Force is staffed by Dr. Courtney Vengrin.

After reviewing the submitted proposals, the DEI-P Task Force recommended ReadySet to the ICVA Board of Directors as the consulting group to assist with the strategic priorities. Following approval of ReadySet from the Board of Directors at the January Board meeting, the first biweekly meeting with the ICVA DEI-P Task Force and the ReadySet leadership team was held in February.

ReadySet is a consulting and strategy firm that helps companies build more human-centric, inclusive cultures, teams and products/services and is composed of professionals and academics with deep diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) expertise and backgrounds. The organization has an extensive array of services, one being a self-paced online DEI training platform. “Their training platform was one of the determining factors in our decision to work with them, as it will allow us to provide training to volunteers and board members around the globe,” Dr. Joe Taboada, ICVA DEI-P Task Force Co-Chair stated. “Additionally, their extensive experience, diverse team, and array of services driven by data seemed to be a very good fit for the ICVA.”

Work with the consultancy, still in the early stages, started with an organizational assessment to understand ICVA’s current state. Over the next year, this information will be used to develop a DEI-P training plan, assist ICVA in building the DEI-P Task Force, and deliver a comprehensive DEI strategic plan and roadmap. ICVA will also do a full call for nominations to seat the rest of the Task Force based on recommendations from ReadySet. Future plans for projects and programs are already underway and will be further developed following this foundational period.

ReadySet made a presentation at the June 2023 ICVA Board meeting, providing an update on the progress to date. The next step is for them to begin conducting initial training with board members and staff, and focus groups to gain additional feedback.

In addition to the current work with ReadySet, ICVA Board members and staff had the opportunity to participate in the Diversity & Inclusion in Veterinary Medicine online training program developed by Purdue University. Currently, all ICVA staff have either enrolled in or completed the program, and many board members have also completed the certificate. The program serves as a valuable source of information that will ensure a strong footing as the organization moves forward with ReadySet to do more in-depth work specific to ICVA.

Stay tuned for updates as the project progresses.