Where do you live and where are you from? I was born in memphis, tn, but grew up in Michigan. Over the course of the last few years I have toured the country extensively for various animal rights organizations including Vegan Outreach, the Humane League, and Mercy For Animals. I currently work for Mercy For animals, and when I am not touring I live in LA.
Age? 25
What do you do for a living/profession? I am the National Campaign Coordinator for Mercy For Animals. Mercy For Animals is a national non-profit animal rights organization dedicated to preventing cruelty to farmed animals and promoting compassionate food choices and policies. I work to implement and evaluate national outreach campaigns that promote veganism and the protection of farmed animals. I also serve as a media spokesperson for MFA’s national outreach campaigns, undercover investigations, and other programs.
What do you like to do for fun? Work out, hang out with friends, Meet New People, go on random adventures, travel, hike, go to the beach, snowboard, activism
How long have you been vegan? 5 years
Why did you become vegan? Like almost everyone I am opposed to animal cruelty. So when I learned that farmed animals are subjected to extreme confinement, painful mutilations without painkillers, and a brutal slaughter at the slaughterhouse I knew I had to change my diet. When I made the connection that eating meat supports animal cruelty I immediately stopped eating meat and slowly transitioned to a vegan diet from there.
How was your transition? I transitioned fairly slowly so it wasn’t hard. Over the course of time it has just become second nature. Since so many people are going vegan, being vegan gets easier everyday.
What is the funniest misconception(s) that you have heard about vegans? I used to hear people say “you can’t get enough protein.” It seems to me the misconceptions people have are slowly falling by the wayside though. People all over, including many professional athletes and celebrities, are going vegan in droves and everyone is beginning to realize that any misconceptions they once had are not actually true.
What is your Favorite thing(s) about being a vegan? I am not paying others to abuse animals on my behalf. I feel as if I am staying true to my values.
What do you think makes a Sexy Bad Ass Vegan? Strong body, strong mind, and a compassionate heart
What is the best vegan dish that you make in your kitchen? I love stir frying up some tempeh and mixed vegetables.
What is the best Vegan Restaurant you have ever had the pleasure of eating at? I have been to so many. But I have to say Veggie Grill is my favorite.
What advice do you have for those that are thinking of transitioning to a vegan lifestyle? Going vegan cold turkey is awesome. However, easing into it seems to be the best way to go about it for most people. It is more important that you stick with a vegan lifestyle in the long run, rather than giving up after a few weeks. Maybe try eating vegan a few meals a week at first. That way you can figure out what you can eat and what you like. Then continue the transition from there.
Do you have a website to share with the BAV nation? Phil doesn’t have a personal website but you can follow his work at Mercy For Animals
5 years
