- VEG
- 4 days ago
- 7 min read
Updated: 18 hours ago
The theme for Hispanic Heritage Month 2025 (or in Spanish, El mes de la Herencia Hispana) is "Collective Heritage: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future," according to diversity-inclusion-speakers.com. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing and learning from the rich history and traditions of Hispanic cultures, while also looking toward a future shaped by their contributions.
Two VEGgies who are part of the Hispanic community, Vanessa De Las Casas and Dr. Enio Sanmarti, share how their heritage has influenced their lives both personally and professionally, and how they’re working to inspire the next generation—especially those in vet med!
What is your role at VEG?
Vanessa De Las Casas: I’m a market growth partner for the Florida market.
Dr. Enio Sanmarti: I’m a medical director at VEG Fort Lauderdale.
There are so many cultures within the Hispanic community. Can you share a bit about your own cultural identity?
Vanessa De Las Casas: I was born in Miami, Florida, to Peruvian parents and grandparents. Although I grew up in the U.S., my upbringing was deeply rooted in Peruvian culture; the food, music, values, and traditions were part of my everyday life. Spanish is my first language.
Being Hispanic is something I take great pride in. I grew up visiting Peru every year and would always bring a piece of it back to share with my friends.
Dr. Enio Sanmarti: I was born and raised in Caracas, Venezuela—a country in the northern part of South America known for its stunning landscapes and warm-hearted people.
How has your Hispanic heritage influenced your personal values and the way you approach your work at VEG?
Vanessa De Las Casas: My heritage shaped me to be warm, welcoming, and community oriented—qualities that guide how I connect with people both in and outside of the hospital.
Dr. Enio Sanmarti: I was raised with a strong emphasis on family bonds and unconditional love. Always supportive, but never without high expectations. These values deeply shape my approach to work, where I view my team as family. I believe the best way to lead is with love, while also holding my VEGgies accountable to help them grow and succeed.
Are there any specific traditions, stories, or historical figures from your heritage that have particularly inspired you? How so?
Vanessa De Las Casas: One tradition that deeply inspires me is “El 28 de Julio,” Peru’s Independence Day. It’s a time of immense national pride, celebrated with parades, music, dancing, and incredible food. Peruvians come together to honor our roots, wear red and white, and share our culture with the world. These traditions remind me how strong and connected our community is no matter where we are, and that same spirit of celebration and unity drives how I show up every day in my work.
Dr. Enio Sanmarti: In terms of historical figures, Simón Bolívar has always been a powerful symbol for me. His resilience, vision for unity, and fight for independence across Latin America serve as a reminder of the importance of courage and conviction in the face of adversity. His story taught me that leadership isn’t just about authority—it’s about purpose and the ability to inspire change.
What unique perspectives or strengths has your Hispanic heritage brought to your role in vet ER?
Vanessa De Las Casas: Hispanic culture is centered around unity, which I carry into every interaction, whether it’s at a hospital or marketing event, or when meeting a fellow Spanish speaker. Connecting with people in their native language allows me to create meaningful relationships that go beyond surface level marketing. It's about trust, empathy, and representation. My heritage helps me bridge cultural gaps and bring people, especially within the Hispanic community, closer to VEG.
Dr. Enio Sanmarti: Growing up in a country with harsh political issues has given me a sense of community and togetherness in the face of hardship. It’s also taught me resilience and compassion. Stress and emotions run high in emergency medicine, so the ability to connect on a human level and treat every customer with compassion—while still acting decisively—makes a meaningful difference. Being bilingual also allows me to bridge communication gaps with Spanish-speaking families during critical moments, ensuring they feel heard, understood, and supported.
How do you see your contributions, both professionally and personally, helping to shape the future for the next generation, particularly within the Hispanic community?
Vanessa De Las Casas: My goal is to make space for others. Whether it's uniting people around their love for pets or building awareness of VEG in our communities, everything I do is rooted in connection. I hope to continue inspiring future Hispanic professionals to see that there’s room for them in this field and in any role they aspire to achieve.
Dr. Enio Sanmarti: I see my contributions as part of a larger mission to help shape the next generation of superheroes in veterinary emergency medicine—combining medical excellence with the VEG way. As a medical director, I prioritize mentorship and hands-on coaching on the floor, helping my team grow both clinically and personally.
Many of our VEGgies come from Hispanic backgrounds, and it’s incredibly meaningful to support their development. My hope is that they, too, will go on to inspire and empower the next generation,carrying forward a legacy of excellence, resilience, and representation.
What advice would you give young Hispanic individuals who are considering a career in veterinary medicine?
Dr. Enio Sanmarti: The sky is the limit! Stay resilient and persevere, keeping your goals clear and your purpose strong—that’s what will lead you to your dream job. Don’t let imposter syndrome or lack of representation make you question your place. Your background is not a barrier; it’s a strength!
Vanessa, you started in the hospital but now work in marketing. What advice would you give to young Hispanic individuals who are unsure of which route to take?
Vanessa De Las Casas: I always joke that whenever I’m in a hospital, I’m a level one veterinary assistant thanks to the incredible teams who taught me along the way—despite not being part of the medical staff. I never imagined I’d assist with CPR or be present for end of life moments with families and their pets. Although I came from a business and marketing background, all of those experiences shaped me and led me to grow and learn more. So if you love helping animals and people, dive in! Your path doesn’t have to be clear from the start. Like Shakira said in Zootopia: “Try everything.”
How can companies better support and uplift Hispanic professionals in their careers?
Vanessa De Las Casas: I think VEG does a great job celebrating our culture and others. One way to continue that impact is by staying involved in Latinx veterinary associations and sponsoring Latin focused CEs. Supporting ongoing education and networking in those spaces keeps the momentum going.
Dr. Enio Sanmarti: One aspect that attracted me to VEG was its genuine focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion, along with a strong culture where everyone is welcomed and valued. This industry can often feel cutthroat and, at times, toxic—so joining VEG was truly a breath of fresh air. VEG actively celebrates diversity and provides equal opportunities for growth, which is one of the most impactful ways to uplift Hispanic and other underrepresented professionals in their careers.
What are your hopes for the future of Hispanic representation and leadership in the vet med?
Vanessa De Las Casas: I’d love to see more Hispanics across every department, bringing their voices, perspectives, and culture into every corner of VEG. There's so much power in sharing diverse experiences, and when we come together, it only strengthens our impact.
Dr. Enio Sanmarti: I want to see more Hispanic professionals thriving, leading, and shaping the future of veterinary medicine with their unique perspectives, resilience, and cultural values. Most of all, I hope the next generation grows up knowing that they belong in ER veterinary medicine and leave a lasting impact in this profession.
Looking back at your journey, what is the most significant lesson you've learned about the power of your heritage?
Vanessa De Las Casas: That it’s a strength. My parents came to the U.S. from Peru and never lost touch with their roots. They passed those values on to me, and for a long time, I thought I needed to fit into a more "traditional" mold, especially in corporate spaces. But I’ve learned there's beauty in being different. My heritage has been a source of pride, not a limitation. It reminds me where I came from and fuels where I’m going.
Dr. Enio Sanmarti: My heritage is a source of strength, not something to hide. I’ve learned resilience in the face of adversity, the importance of seeking mentorship, and the value of goal driven results. There were times when I felt the pressure to assimilate or tone down parts of my identity to fit in, especially with my ESL. But, it also fueled my passion to overcome obstacles and achieve my goals. My heritage has given me a strong sense of purpose and the ability to lead with both heart and grit.
What’s one thing you would tell your younger self?
Vanessa De Las Casas: Be kind to yourself. Don’t compare your journey to anyone else’s. You come from strong, hard working people and your story is uniquely yours. You can do anything, and your roots are part of what makes you powerful.
Dr. Enio Sanmarti: I would tell my younger self to follow your heart, but be mindful of every step you take along the way. Perseverance is key—don’t be afraid to accept help and support; you don’t have to do it alone.
FIND YOUR CAREER IN VET MED AT VEG ER FOR PETS
At VEG, our mission is "helping people and their pets when they need it most." VEG offers life-changing career opportunities, where you'll work in an industry you love, with people come from different places to live out this shared mission! With over 100 locations nationwide, and more hospitals opening soon, you're sure to find your place. Check out our Careers site to go where you want to grow!
