Hear Her Story with Dr. Heather Fowler.

It was a full-circle moment for Dr. Heather Fowler, when she returned to her alma mater, the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, in May 2022 to deliver the commencement speech.

Standing before the next generation of veterinarians, she shared her journey, from sitting in their seat as a new grad, to where she is now, serving as the Director of Producer and Public Health for the National Pork Board.

Heather didn’t grow up in the meat industry but has spent the last nearly 8 years contributing to its success. She was drawn to this area of work in the first place because of her passion for animal health, food safety and public health – and perhaps most important, the intersection of all three.

“Working in this field allows me to bridge the gap between science, policy and practical applications that benefit both people and animals,” she says.

This is not the only gap Heather has bridged as a diverse female in an industry dominated by men with different backgrounds than her own. She believes the secrets to navigating these challenges have been leveraging her expertise, building strong relationships and finding mentors who provided guidance and support.

“Early in my career, it felt like I had to work harder to establish my credibility and make my voice heard,” she says. “Fortunately, I have seen progress in gender, racial and other forms of diversity in the industry.”

Heather believes initiatives like mentorship programs, leadership development opportunities and policies that promote work-life balance are key to retaining and empowering women in the workforce. She would also add advocacy to the list of actions that make a difference. She herself is an advocate for inclusion because she knows that visibility matters.

“When we see women in leadership roles it reinforces the idea for other women that they too can thrive in this space,” she said.

Heather wants other women – either currently in the meat industry or those who are considering entering it – to know they are deserving, and they do belong.

“Don’t hesitate to take up space—your voice, perspective, and expertise are valuable,” she says. “Seek out mentors, build a strong network, and advocate for yourself.”

Heather is encouraged to see the industry increasingly make room for more diverse leadership. Thanks, of course, to strong female leaders (including Heather) who are setting the example for the industry’s next class of talent.

Returning to her full circle moment, that is exactly what she did for the UPenn Vet Med grads – model success and inspire others as they embarked on their own journeys in veterinary medicine and public health.