ABOUT

Why Veganism is Important

Animals and animal welfare are such a vital aspect within today's society. Being vegan is not just about altering your diet, but it is also about delving deep into the issue of animal ethics, and thinking differently about where your food comes from. If you are interested in learning more...read a bit about our wonderful committee below!

MEET THE TEAM

The People Behind the Scenes

ISABEL (IZZY) BARBER

Co-President

Hi, I’m Izzy. I’ve been vegetarian for as long as I can remember and vegan since February of 2016. Much to my surprise, I immediately began to enjoy eating and cooking food more than I had before. Everything was about exploration, whether it was learning how to perfect spice combinations or, to the amazement of my Mum, making egg free meringue. The Happy Cow app is my top tip for travelling- whether in Glasgow, Gdansk or Hanoi, I’ve been able to find the best vegan eateries based on reviews.
Animal ethics has always been my motivation for my lifestyle, although more recently, through VegSoc and wider academic reading, I’ve come to realise how important veganism is for the environment. I’ve been involved in activism with Viva! and Animal Equality and am currently liaising with Humane Society International and their plant-based training scheme.

LAURE BOISSAT

Co-President

Hi everyone!
I’m Laure and I have the pleasure to be writing this blog whilst completing my Master’s in Biodiversity Conservation at Oxford. Beyond academic life, I got the incredible chance to volunteer with wildlife in South Africa and Australia – when I am not busy walking with my dog Molly! I hope to be able to reconcile conservation goals with animal welfare professionally.
Ironically, my grand-parents were butchers which enables me to truly understand the challenges that you may be facing when questioning your relatives’ habits and, more broadly, cultural traditions. Having said that, transitioning to veganism is one of the best decisions I’ve ever taken and I cannot imagine living differently today! Turning vegan was mainly prompted by animal welfare concerns – I appreciate my food so much more when I know that is it cruelty-free J – and I highly admire the investigative work of NGOs such as L214 (in France) and Animal Equality.
I found it fascinating how our diet is so intertwined to our health, as well as broader social issues such as climate change. I am very keen on engaging on these topics, so feel free to reach out!

BELLA FORRISTAL

Campaign Manager

I’m Bella, a first year studying Classics at Magdalen College, and while my degree may have pretty much nothing to do with it, I am passionate about animal rights and topics surrounding veganism. I have been vegan for only 3 years, but within that time I’ve met some of the most incredible humans and animals who inspire me to make the world a better place! Last summer I had the privilege of taking an internship at Farm Sanctuary, an organisation that cares for thousands of farmed animals taken from situations of neglect and abuse, and I also volunteer (when I can) at FRIEND farmed animal rescue in Kent. Farmed animal care and rescue is an issue very close to my heart! I’m an ethical vegan, and so I love vegan junk food - and also, I’m a terrible cook, so if you want ideas for places to eat in Oxford, I’m the one to ask! I’m very excited to be a part of the VegSoc team, and I hope together we can put on some really great events that help provoke conversations about animal rights here in Oxford!

ANNA SWEETMAN

Environmental Manager

Hey I’m Anna, Health and Environment manager of Oxford VegSoc. I have been vegan for a year and a half now after becoming fascinated by the impact our food choices had on our health and the environment. I study Human Sciences, so love the factual and science-y side of Vegansim and the amazing benefits it has on us and the world around us. Email me at Anna.sweetman@mansfield.ox.ac.uk if you have any queries or want to get in touch

MICHAELA TOMCHEK

Sustainability Manager

Hello everyone! My name is Michaela, and I am an MSc student in the Geography Department. I am originally from Las Vegas where I worked to spread awareness for wilderness and the preservation of species. I have been vegan for two years, and I love to bake vegan delights! I hope to educate people about sustainable diets and animal welfare. Contact me if you want to know some vegan secrets!