Stephanie Redcross West is the Founder and Managing Director of Vegan Mainstream, a unique marketing consulting company especially for vegan entrepreneurs and professionals. Since 2009, Stephanie has been developing tools, training, and support for the brave individuals who are starting and running vegan businesses all over the world. She was well-equipped to do this, with more than 15 years of marketing experience with small businesses and Fortune 500 companies. Since that time, Stephanie has been a frequent speaker at vegfests, conferences, and even her own boot-camp series. Through these types of engagements and her day-to-day work with Vegan Mainstream, Stephanie inspires others to turn their vegan passion into successful businesses.

Allison Corbett is a vegan activist and Co-Founder of VegLegMaryland, an advocacy group promoting legislation in the Maryland General Assembly to reduce Maryland’s greenhouse gas emissions from food purchases by shifting to more carbon-friendly (plant-based) options. Previously, she served as a Major Gifts Officer at the University of Maryland, connecting those who want to change the world with those who can. Allison has a Bachelor’s of Art degree in Applied History from Carnegie Mellon University and holds a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Maryland, as well as a Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate from Cornell University.

Chetana Mirle, PhD, is an advocate for all animals and the environment. She is currently the Program Director for Life of Riley, the animal welfare program of Spring Point Partners LLC — a social impact venture based in Philadelphia. She was previously a vice-president at Humane Society International, where she led efforts to build and catalyze farm animal protection campaigns in Asia, Africa, and Latin America by hiring and empowering local activists, building the capacity of existing civil society groups, and engaging diverse stakeholders in governments, the finance sector, and the food industry. Chetana holds a PhD from the Freidman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University, where her dissertation explored the link between donor-funded agricultural programs and household food consumption in South Asia. She is also a trustee of the Awesome Vegan Foundation, and advocates on behalf of children in foster care as a volunteer for Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Philadelphia.

Scott Stoll, MD, is a visionary with a passion for transforming healthcare through the power of a whole-food, plant-based plate and lifestyle medicine and creating a unified solution through the integration of regenerative agriculture and healthcare. He is Co-Founder and Chairman of The Plantrician Project, The International Plant-Based Nutrition Healthcare Conference, The International Journal of Disease Reversal and Prevention, and the Regenerative Health Institute — a unique collaborative project with The Rodale Institute that integrates a regenerative vision for human health, agriculture, and the environment.

Every year, Dr. Stoll hosts a popular one-week health immersion in association with Whole Foods, Dr. Stoll’s Total Health Immersion in Naples, Florida. This unique event helps attendees restore and optimize their health, suspend and reverse common lifestyle diseases, and develop a sustainable, regenerative lifestyle. In addition to authoring several books, including Your Next Bite, and numerous scientific articles, Dr. Stoll has appeared on national shows, including The Dr. Oz Show, hosted a 2018 PBS special “Food As Medicine” and numerous documentaries including Eating You Alive, Wait Till It’s Free, and The Game Changers. Dr. Stoll was a member of the 1994 Olympic bobsled team and continues to work with Olympic and professional athletes around the world.

Bonnie Brown is the Founder and CEO of New Earth Partners, a consulting firm offering fractional professional services exclusively to plant-based and vegan companies She has an extensive senior-level background in finance, including IPO experience, accounting, management, information systems, and business leadership. She is also Co-Founder and CFO of Passion Placement, an exclusively plant-based employment platform connecting like-minded people with mission-driven organizations to help expedite cohesive team growth. Bonnie is also Board Treasurer for FFAC (Factory Farming Awareness Coalition).

Bonnie is a CPA, with a Bachelor of Science in accountancy from Bentley University and a Master of Science in computer information systems from Boston University. Previously, she was CAO and CFO of Tecogen Inc., and a partner at Sullivan Bille PC for 15 years where she provided financial, accounting, audit, tax, and business consulting services for start-up to mid-sized companies.

Akisha is an advocate and attorney who currently serves as Chief of Policy in the Environmental Division of Companions and Animals for Reform and Equity (CARE).  Prior to her role at CARE, she worked as a managing attorney for the Animal Legal Defense Fund and as a legislative attorney and policy advisor at various other national and international animal protection organizations, including the Humane Society of the United States and Best Friends Animal Society.  In addition to her passion for animal advocacy, Akisha is a community advocate and an active member and contributor for the Black Appalachian Coalition, her local NAACP chapter, and a number of other community-focused organizations.

Akisha holds a JD from Georgetown Law and a Bachelor of Arts from Stanford University, where she graduated with Distinction.  She is a Fellow at the Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics. She has embraced a vegan lifestyle since 2004.

William Rivas-Rivas is a fundraising professional specializing in major gifts in the areas of animal advocacy and child protection. He also has broad experience in operations functions, including the development and execution of strategic business plans, multimillion-dollar budgets, and financial reports. William currently serves as Director of Philanthropy at Thorn, an organization that develops technology to protect children from sexual abuse. He previously held the positions of International Director of Philanthropy at Animal Equality and Director of Philanthropic Gifts/Director of Development at Animal Legal Defense Fund. He also served in a fundraising capacity for the American Red Cross and managed international campaigns at Humane Society International.

Mr. Rivas-Rivas also enjoys his work as a professional photographer specializing in photojournalism and digital post-production.

Leslie Barcus has extensive governance and senior management leadership experience in nonprofit and private enterprises around the world, having worked with organizations from start-up through transition and growth stages. Leslie is a graduate of Miami University of Ohio and has a Master’s Degree in international economic development. Her professional exposure spans more than 40 countries and includes work in animal rights and welfare, biodiversity conservation, higher learning and adult education, microfinance, financial education, behavior change, organizational capacity building, international economic development and corporate, retail and small business banking. Informed by her breadth of experience, Leslie’s professional philosophy is that innovative business models, products and services, and creative approaches for appealing to human reason and compassion can bring into fruition a healthier and more generous world for people, animals, and the environment.

Joy Zakarian reviews grant applications and reports and manages VegFund’s online events calendar. She helps with analyzing survey data, writing, and other tasks as needed. Joy has a master’s degree in public health. She had a long career in public health research, with a focus on tobacco control and thirdhand tobacco smoke. Joy directed a local animal rights group for over 25 years, and before joining the VegFund staff, she received VegFund grants to conduct large food-sampling events at public street fairs in San Diego County. She also owned a vegan retail store.