Tell us a bit about yourself.

“I am a rising senior at Cornell University studying Global and Public Health Sciences and dietetics. This summer, I’m working in nutrition policy and food systems in my beautiful home state of Colorado. Outside of advocacy and school, I love getting outside, weightlifting, and making art!”

What stands out about your experience with New Roots Institute?

“Reflecting on my time with New Roots, I have many memories of transformative moments, so it is hard to pick just one! I will always remember how I felt on the first day of programming as a fellow. I had never been surrounded by so many other vegans and dedicated activists, it made me feel truly excited and accepted. Before the Leadership Academy, I wouldn’t have considered myself an advocate; I saw my veganism as just one part of my life. After meeting so many incredible people through the program and connecting with professional advocates who are using their passions to change the world, I realized that working toward our collective vision of a more just and sustainable world isn’t just a hobby, it’s my life!”

What support can you offer and what support are you seeking?

“Given my work at Cornell on our oat milk campaign and plant-based dining initiatives, I’d be happy to connect with anyone seeking guidance in that area! Right now, I am trying to navigate the complicated world of politics for my nutrition and food policy work, so any guidance, support, or insight in that realm would be greatly appreciated (specifically, any advice for studying food policy in grad school).”

Can you share a moment or story that shaped your passion for animal, environmental, or human rights?

“New Roots has played an integral role in shaping my advocacy. Most notably, the education New Roots provided me with regarding the social justice implications of our food system completely changed the trajectory of my career. I learned so much from my small group and our group leader, Natalie, (who is absolutely amazing and knowledgeable) when we discussed the works of Aph and Syl Ko and a powerful quote by David Nibert: ‘To eliminate one oppression successfully, a movement has to include work to eliminate them all or else success will always be limited and incomplete.’

That conversation empowered me to advocate for systems-level change and recognize the interconnectedness of oppression. This mindset led me to pursue policy work within my passions for public health and nutrition, and I am so grateful to have grown with my New Roots peers in such a supportive, challenging environment.”

What advice would you give someone just starting out on their advocacy journey?

“Find your ‘why.’ I gained a lot of clarity in terms of my career goals and approaches to advocacy when I started channeling my efforts into what really calls on my heart and the issues that I want to tackle the most. That being said, don’t forget to engage with the community often and stay up-to-date on the state of the movement so you can be a well-rounded advocate! Also, don’t downplay the importance of “soft skills,” as they help you communicate effectively.”

What gives you hope for the future?

“My peers, especially the friends I’ve made at New Roots Institute. Jessica Cohen, my campaign partner, pushed me to grow so much during the time we worked together at Cornell, and she inspires me everyday! She is an incredible advocate and a wonderful human.”

What projects are you currently working on?

“I am working on a campaign to make Cornell University’s food system more ethical, healthy, and sustainable. In collaboration with New Roots Institute, The Better Food Foundation, and Animal Advocacy at Cornell (AAC), Jessica Cohen and I have urged Cornell Dining to expand plant-based options on campus, eliminate the upcharge for plant milk, and remove the dairy default in cafes.

Looking forward, I want to implement more plant-based defaults in Cornell dining halls and implement carbon labeling in the retail dining spaces. Through our club, my vision is for every Cornell student to learn about the ethical and public health implications of our diets. The more informed we all are about our food system, the easier it will be to make significant changes."

​​New Roots Institute is a nonprofit empowering the next generation with knowledge and training to end factory farming. Through our leadership development programs, fellows take what they learn about the food system and put it into practice by launching campaigns that challenge industrial animal agriculture. We are strengthening the movement—spreading change from individuals to their communities, and expanding outward into wider systems-level change.