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I am Avril. I am a Veterinary Medicine Specialist and founder of . I grew up in Malaysia, where the animal industry was barely recognised and opportunities for women were limited. Patriarchal expectations encouraged men to focus on careers, while women who tried to pursue professional ambitions faced limited opportunities and a firmly entrenched glass ceiling. As a young girl passionate about animals, I was told my dream was impractical.

When I moved to Australia, I finally had the space to pursue that dream. Navigating higher education when English was not my first language was a challenge, and finding a job on a temporary visa was not easy, but I was determined. I began as a volunteer at animal shelters, and over time built a career as a veterinary internal medicine specialist. I chose this path because I wanted to make a real difference in animals’ lives, ensuring they receive the care they deserve.

During my career, I often struggled to find blood to treat my patients. My beloved cat nearly lost his life because of this shortage, highlighting a critical gap in the veterinary industry that I felt compelled to address.

To turn this idea into reality, I joined ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç Founders and completed their Graduate Diploma of Entrepreneurship. This experience gave me the knowledge, skills, and confidence to found , an organisation dedicated to creating a reliable community blood bank for pets. My vision is to build a system like the Red Cross Lifeblood for people, but for animals, so that no pet loses its life simply because blood is unavailable.

In 2025, I received the JEINA Prize. Receiving this prize was a profound recognition of the journey and challenges women like me face when pursuing dreams far from home.

It is a reminder that perseverance and opportunity can come together to create meaningful impact, that even the most ambitious dreams can take shape with the right support, and that determination can build a future not just for yourself, but for the communities you care about.