Across continents and communities, women are driving change in veterinary care, animal health, and One Health initiatives. In recognition, we held a Women’s Month 2025 Webinar to spotlight the diverse voices of women in VWB’s programs — including lay vaccinators, veterinarians, community leaders, and program managers — who are making a difference in their local contexts. The discussion explored their impact, the challenges they navigate, and the innovative solutions they bring to sustainable livelihoods, animal health, and public well-being.
WEBINAR: Thursday, March 27th @ 10am-11am EST
>> Watch the Replay <<
MEET THE PANEL:
Dr. Michelle Tuma (DVM)
Northern Canada Veterinary Specialist, Veterinarians Without Borders (VWB)
Michelle is a veterinarian from Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, committed to improving access to animal health services in remote Indigenous communities across Canada’s North. Born and raised in Yellowknife, she returned home after earning her veterinary degree from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in 2014. Since then, she has balanced private practice with her passion for community-based care, partnering with northern animal welfare organizations to deliver temporary veterinary clinics in some of the country’s most isolated regions. Michelle began working with VWB in 2018, where she helped launch the Northern Animal Health Initiative (NAHI)—a One Health program grounded in respectful, community-led partnerships. Michelle’s work focuses not only on improving animal health, but also on strengthening community capacity, supporting Indigenous self-determination, and fostering harmony between people, animals, and the environment.
In this webinar, Michelle shared her experiences collaborating with Indigenous communities that are leading efforts to bridge veterinary care gaps, advocate for animal health, and strengthen One Health approaches. She also reflected on the vital role local women play in transforming perceptions around veterinary services, increasing engagement in animal health programs, and contributing to more resilient communities.
Dr. Victoria Afua Norgbey (EMGL, BSc)
President, Apex Body of Women in the Poultry Value Chain (WIPVaC-Apex Ghana)
Victoria is a leader in Ghana’s poultry industry, with extensive experience in gender equity, economic empowerment, and agricultural leadership. She serves as President of WIPVaC-Apex, where she advocates for women’s leadership in poultry farming and agribusiness. She is also the Founder and Board Chairperson of Global Women Development Promoters (GLOWDEP), an organization focused on women’s empowerment and sustainable development. With a background in agriculture and governance, Victoria has held leadership roles in the Ghana Poultry Farmers Association (GAPFA) and African Women in Animal Resource Farming and Agribusiness Network (AWARFA-N). She is a strong advocate for policy reforms, biosecurity, and capacity-building initiatives that support women in agribusiness. Victoria has been recognized for her contributions to women’s empowerment through multiple honors, including an honorary doctorate in Public Administration and the Ghana Women of Excellence Award for her leadership in agriculture and gender equality.
In this webinar, Victoria shared how women in Ghana's poultry sector are driving economic empowerment, transforming food security, and strengthening sustainable agricultural practices. She also discussed the impact of WIPVaC-Apex's collaboration with VWB's VETS program in expanding training and leadership pathways for women in livestock farming.
Ruth Zihiga Uwase (MSc)
COHERS Project Coordinator at the Center for One Health, University of Global Health Equity (UGHE Rwanda)
Ruth is a global health professional specializing in monitoring and evaluation, research, and community health systems. At UGHE in Rwanda, she coordinates the Community One Health Empowerment in Rwanda and Senegal (COHERS) project, overseeing program activities, conducting research, and engaging with local authorities to strengthen One Health approaches at the community level. Ruth holds a Master of Science in Global Health Delivery from the University of Global Health Equity and a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Health from Daystar University. Her previous roles in research and healthcare organizations have equipped her with strong expertise in maternal and child health, public health research, and cross-sectoral collaboration.
In this webinar, Ruth discussed the role of community-led education and policy in advancing One Health approaches. She also highlighted how the COHERS program is empowering women with the knowledge and leadership skills needed to drive veterinary and public health initiatives, ensuring that One Health solutions are both sustainable and inclusive.
MEET YOUR HOST:
Kathy V. Turner
Board Member, Veterinarians Without Borders (VWB) | Board Member, Elanco Animal Health
Kathy is a retired senior business executive with over 35 years of global leadership experience in animal health, medical diagnostics, and healthcare. She has held senior roles at IDEXX Laboratories and Abbott Laboratories, leading strategy, product innovation, and international operations across Europe, Asia, Latin America, and North America. As Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at IDEXX, Kathy led global marketing, corporate strategy, and commercial operations for the Companion Animal, Livestock, Poultry, and Dairy divisions. She has also held executive positions at Health for Animals, the European Diagnostic Manufacturers Association, and MedTech Europe. Since March 2024, Kathy has served on the Board of Directors for Elanco Animal Health, supporting global solutions in animal health. She is also a Board Member at VWB, bringing her passion for animals, international expertise, and leadership to advance our One Health mission.
As the webinar host, Kathy guided the discussion, engaged panelists in conversation about the impact of women in One Health and veterinary care worldwide. She also facilitated a live Q&A session, inviting audience participation in the conversation.
