EXECUTIVE BOARD

2025-2026 EXECUTIVE BOARD

Meet your 2025-2026 Executive Board! We all work hard to ensure the members of the MNVBMA gain the most out of their membership. Read on to learn more about each of our officers and their roles!

Hi, my name is Rachel Kent and I am a second-year veterinary student originally from outside of Washington, D.C. although I’ve been lucky enough to call many places home! After serving as VBMA Treasurer, I am so honored to now serve as your VBMA President.

In this role, I hope to continue helping our members feel informed, confident, and prepared for life after vet school, while also creating opportunities for students to build meaningful professional and personal connections. My career goal is to blend ER and community medicine to better serve underserved populations and expand access to care.

A fun fact about me: I’m a certified Pilates instructor and teach classes through the U! If you want to see another side of your VBMA President (and get a great workout), come check out one of my classes.

My name is Makayla Hall and I am currently the Vice President of the MN VBMA Executive Board. As the Vice President, I am looking forward to supporting our President, and the rest of the board members while also organizing our Spring Banquet. Through my term, I am looking forward to connecting with fellow students, and connected with Veterinarians in the field.

I am a current first year student from Granada, Minnesota. In undergrad studied Animals Science with an emphasis in Pre-Vet at the University of Minnesota. I grew up on a farm, and have enjoyed spending time with our farm animals from a young age.

I am interested in mixed animal practice. Outside of school I enjoy riding horse, spending time with family, snowmobiling (when there is snow), skiing (water and snow), cooking and gardening.

Treasurer: Rachel McBride

Hi, my name is Rachel McBride and I am a first-year veterinary student serving as the Treasurer of Minnesota VBMA. I’ve really enjoyed hearing from speakers with diverse backgrounds and learning how they apply business principles to support and grow their careers within the veterinary industry.

I’m originally from Lino Lakes, MN, and completed my undergraduate degree at Montana State University. As a future veterinarian, I hope to work in small animal emergency medicine while also serving rural communities and improving access to care.

Outside of vet med, you can usually find me skiing, running, or baking sourdough!

Director of Networking: Meghan Bhakta

Hi everyone! My name is Meghan Bhakta, and I am the current Director of Networking for the MN VBMA Executive Board. I am grateful for this role, as it aligns closely with my passion for inclusivity and for understanding people’s backgrounds and how those experiences shape who they are. My goals in this position are to provide our chapter with various opportunities, such as with talks and speakers, that help us grow in ways beyond veterinary medicine, and to be someone others can connect with.

I am a current first year student. I grew up in Anchorage, AK and completed by undergrad at the University of Pittsburgh (#H2P). While I am undecided on a specific track, I am particularly interested in emergency medicine and speciality practice.

Outside of school, I am an avid skier, enjoy music and working out, love watching and playing sports (especially football), and value traveling, gaining new experiences, and spending time with family and friends.

Director of Engagement : Emma Prybylski

Hi, everyone! My name is Emma Prybylski, and I am the Director of Member Engagement for the Minnesota VBMA chapter. Through my position, I am excited to build connections with other veterinary students and professionals and help others achieve their goals through VBMA.

I am a first-year DVM/PhD student planning to track research. I am originally from Washington State. I studied Animal Science and Chemistry at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. My goal is to work in academia or industry, preferably with cattle, but I love research, so I hope it is a huge part of my career.

Outside of school, I love doing yoga, swimming, running, hiking, playing with my cat, Carbon, and hanging out with friends and family.

Director of Operations: Theresa Yu

Hi, my name is Theresa and I am a first-year veterinary student here in Minnesota! I’m excited to help VBMA meetings run smoothly by working behind the scenes to ensure our guest speakers are set up for success at our Lunch & Learns.

I moved to Minnesota from California and am still getting used to Midwest winters! Professionally, I’m interested in both small animal and wildlife medicine, and I hope to find a way to work with both in my future career.

Outside of school, I love drawing, crocheting, and playing video games—anything creative or cozy is right up my alley!

President: Rachel Kent

Vice President: Makayla Hall

Director of Marketing: Jessica Tregidgo

Hi, my name is Jess Tregidgo and I am a first-year veterinary student serving as the Director of Marketing for VBMA!

I’m originally from New York City and have interests in small animal and lab animal medicine. I joined VBMA because I love how it empowers students to grow their business knowledge, build meaningful connections, and work toward their professional goals.

As Director of Marketing, I get to share all the incredible opportunities VBMA offers by keeping students informed about events, resources, and ways to grow both personally and professionally. I’m especially excited to help our members stay connected and make the most of their vet school experience.

Outside of vet med, I enjoy skiing, exploring new neighborhoods, and spending time outdoors. I’m always looking for new ways to stay active, inspired, and connected to the world around me!