FVC Time Capsule: EDI Officer

Hey Future Vets! Sophia here.
I hope that you enjoyed your summer! If you are a returning student, welcome back! If you are a new student, welcome to the University of Guelph! We at the FVC are excited to meet you and support you throughout your journey to vet school. To start this school year off, we have the final article in the FVC's Time Capsule series. We are finishing this series off by spotlighting our EDI Officer, Kham Lyttle! The first to take on this new role, Kham has contributed many amazing new ideas, events, and perspectives to the FVC, all of which are related to making our club more equitable, diverse, and inclusive! Read on to learn more about her, and to get some amazing advice on journey to vet school, and how to incorporate EDI into your life.

1. Introduce yourself! How long have you been an executive?  
Hi everyone! My name is Khamelia, and I’m in my fifth year studying Zoology with a minor in History. I’m super passionate about wildlife, and when I’m not talking about animals, I really am a fan of fashion, photography and reading! This is my second year serving as the EDI (Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) Officer with the Future Vets Club, and I’ve loved every minute of it!


2. Why did you want to join the FVC executive team?  
At first, I was just looking to branch out and diversify my university experience. I had spent a lot of time gaining experience outside of school, which was incredibly valuable, but I realized I wanted to get more involved within the university community, too. Like many of our members, I’m a future vet, but back then I didn’t know much about clubs or extracurriculars on campus. That changed after spending a summer working with both FVC general members and some past and current execs, they introduced me to the amazing work the club was doing, and I was instantly drawn in. When I saw that applications were open and that the EDI Officer position was available, it felt like the perfect fit. With prior experience and similar goals, I knew I wanted to join and help create a space where everyone feels seen, heard, and celebrated in veterinary medicine.


3. What has been the most rewarding part of being the EDI Officer? Do you have any particular memory you love? 
One of my favourite parts of being the EDI Officer has definitely been stepping into the role with the goal of helping the Future Vets Club (FVC) truly show up for our members. As an executive team, we’ve been working hard to highlight how beautifully diverse veterinary medicine really is, something I’m really passionate about. A particular memory that stands out for me was last semester when, with the support of my fellow executives, we hosted an EDI panel event in which I had the opportunity to facilitate the discussion. We invited three incredible panelists from OVC, two students (Chathu and Sammi) and one veterinarian (Dr. Keisha Harris), to share their journeys in a Q&A-style discussion. It was such an honest, engaging, and intimate evening, and we welcomed both FVC members and non-members to attend. Seeing people connect with the stories being shared and leave with new perspectives was incredibly rewarding. I’d love to see both new and returning FVC members at this year’s EDI panel too, it’s definitely an event that stays with you.


4. How do you think EDI and the FVC will change and grow in the next 10 years?
I truly believe that EDI in veterinary medicine as a whole will evolve significantly over the next 10 years, and naturally, that means FVC’s approach to EDI will grow and change too. To be honest, it’s hard to predict exactly how things will shift, EDI is such a broad and dynamic space, but my hopeful prediction is that we’ll begin to see greater representation across different demographics of students and professionals in vet med. I also hope we’ll witness real changes in standards and expectations that make the journey into this field more equitable and accessible for everyone. For the Future Vets Club specifically, I hope we continue to intentionally and consistently embed EDI into everything we do, from our events and outreach, to how we support members, and especially within our executive team. Growth starts with being open to change and genuinely listening to what our members need, and I hope that spirit always stays at the heart of FVC.

5. What do you think you personally will be like in 10 years?
In 10 years, I hope to have completed vet school and be well into a fulfilling  career focused on zoological, exotic, or wildlife medicine. I’ve always been passionate about the One Health approach, and I envision myself contributing to conservation efforts both locally and internationally, with veterinary medicine! One of my biggest goals is to offer more accessible veterinary care to wildlife rehabilitation spaces, which are often under-resourced but play such a vital role in conservation. I want to support these spaces and ensure injured or displaced wildlife are getting the treatment they need.

6. Do you have any advice for future vets?
My best piece of advice is to honestly never tell yourself “no” before someone else does. If there’s something you’re passionate about or curious to try, go for it. Don’t wait until you feel "ready enough" or compare your journey to someone else’s. Comparison is the thief of joy, and self-doubt will be your biggest limitation if you let it. Believe in your potential, take up space, and trust that you belong in this field just as much as anyone else. Your path doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s to be meaningful or successful! 

7. Do you have any advice for future EDI Officers?
To all the EDI Officers who come after me, take a breath and be patient with yourself, and don’t be afraid to lean on your team for support either! EDI is such a broad and layered space, constantly evolving  and it can definitely feel overwhelming at times. But, as long as you’re doing your best, approaching things with heart, perspective, and putting your best foot forward, you’re already making a difference. Your ideas matter, your events can have a lasting impact & with teamwork, intention, and care, everything you’re working toward will come together!

8. Do you have any advice for anyone who is working on implementing EDI into their lives, careers, etc?
One of the most important things is to foster openness and understanding in every space you're in. Everyone comes with their own story, perspective, and lived experience, and recognizing that is key to creating inclusive environments. Meaningful change happens when we choose to listen with intention, when we’re not just reacting, but truly trying to understand and grow. EDI isn’t about being perfect, it’s about being present, aware, and willing to evolve in how we interact with others and move through our day to day lives.


9. If you could put one thing in the ‘FVC Time Capsule,’ what would it be and why?  
Ooh! I think I would include a printed photo of the executive team and one of our FVC merch sweaters; a fun and meaningful snapshot of the 2024–2026 era. Like the grad plaques at OVC, it would be a great way to look back on how the club and its leadership have grown!

Thank you so much to Kham for taking time out of her busy schedule to provide such meaningful and empowering responses to the questions. The FVC and all of its members truly cherish her contributions to the club; she has helped to make everyone feel more seen, heard, and appreciated. We cannot wait to see what new EDI-related events and projects she has in the works come to life! Thanks for reading, I hope you enjoyed!

Sincerely,
Sophia Di Adamo, Senior Editor