Diva Vet: How Mildred "Millie" Mullings is Redefining Veterinary Medicine

When Mildred "Millie" Mullings enters a room, the energy shifts. It’s impossible to miss her—her unshakable confidence, warmth, and unwavering commitment to making veterinary medicine more inclusive. Known as Diva Vet to her friends and followers, Millie, a first-year student at Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, is on a mission to break barriers: bridging gaps between people and animals, urban and rural perspectives, and the veterinary field and the diverse communities it serves.

From New York City to St. Kitts: A Journey of Discipline and Adaptability

Millie’s path to veterinary medicine wasn’t your typical one. Growing up in New York City, she spent her summers in upstate New York, where she swapped skyscrapers for rolling pastures and subway rides for horseback rides.

“That contrast shaped me,” Millie explains. “In the city, I saw how disconnected people could be from nature. In the countryside, I witnessed firsthand how animals and the environment are intertwined with human life.”

That duality—urban energy paired with rural tranquility—fueled her passion for veterinary medicine. But her journey wasn’t always easy. During her undergrad years at Rutgers University, where she earned a Bachelor’s in Animal Science and a certificate in Caribbean and Latino Studies, Millie faced the inevitable academic slump.

“There were days I just wanted to lie down, turn on the TV, and forget about studying,” she admits. “But I learned that discipline isn’t about pushing yourself to exhaustion. It’s about doing one small thing today that moves you forward.”

Her mindset of persistence, paired with her signature optimism, became her driving force. “Life throws your plans out the window sometimes,” Millie laughs. “But I’ve learned to adapt. Whatever happens, I trust it’ll work out—I’ll make it work out.”

Breaking Barriers in Veterinary Medicine

Millie isn’t just a student; she’s already a force for change in the field. As the Social Outreach Chair-Elect for the Student National Association for Black Veterinarians (SNABV) and Cultural Outreach Officer-Elect for SAVMA, she’s working tirelessly to increase diversity and representation in veterinary medicine.

“The lack of diversity in vet med isn’t just a pipeline problem—it’s a systemic one,” Millie says, with passion in her voice. “When there’s no representation, we miss opportunities for cultural understanding, language accessibility, and trust-building with marginalized communities.”

Millie has experienced the sting of exclusion herself—being one of the few Black students in her classes and facing clients who hesitated to trust advice from someone who didn’t look like them. Instead of letting these experiences discourage her, Millie uses them as fuel to push forward and create change.

“I want to show others that they belong here,” she says. “Veterinary medicine should not be exclusive. It should reflect the communities it serves, and it’s time for that change.”

The Qualities That Define Her

Millie’s journey is guided by three core qualities that have shaped her life:

Discipline – “Showing up every day—even when motivation fades.”
Optimism – “Believing that things will work out—and then making sure they do.”
Adaptability – “Rolling with life’s punches and coming out stronger each time.”

These qualities have helped Millie navigate challenges, from academic hurdles to adjusting to the unique demands of vet school in St. Kitts.

Advice to Her Younger Self: “Stop Trying to Fit a Mold”

If Millie could go back in time, she’d give her younger self one piece of advice: “Stop trying to fit into a mold.”

“I used to worry if I was ‘the right kind’ of vet student. Was I too outspoken? Did I dress too ‘extra’?” she reflects. “Now, I own it. I’m the woman who loves glitter and gross anatomy, who’s just as comfortable in a lab coat as I am in bold lipstick.”

That self-assurance is a huge part of what makes her Diva Vet persona so powerful. “Being a ‘diva’ isn’t about being high-maintenance—it’s about unapologetically being yourself.”

Her Mission: Healing Communities—Humans, Animals, and Nature

Millie’s vision extends far beyond the walls of a clinic. Her mission is to connect people to each other, to animals, and to the environment in a way that fosters true community.

“My mission is to remind people how interconnected we all are—to animals, to nature, to one another,” she says. “Veterinarians don’t just treat pets. We’re a critical part of public health, conservation, and even social justice. I want to be a vet who helps entire communities thrive.”

What’s Next for Diva Vet?

With her leadership roles, community outreach, and a passion for making an impact, Millie’s journey is only beginning. As she continues to soak up the St. Kitts sunshine (her favorite way to relieve stress), she’s setting the stage for the future.

“In five years, I see myself as Dr. Mullings, working in a community that needs representation and compassion,” she says. “I’ll probably be mentoring the next generation of diverse vet students too.”

One thing’s certain: wherever Millie goes, she’ll shine—unapologetically herself and unafraid to disrupt the status quo.

Follow Millie’s journey on Instagram [@DivaVet] and stay tuned for more Vet Candy stories! #DivaVet #FutureDVMs #BreakingBarriers #WomenInSTEM #VetMedRevolution

Inspired by Millie’s story? Drop a comment below—and tag someone who’s shaking up the field and redefining what it means to be a vet! 🌟