“Ten years vegan and I feel more connected than ever... To my values, my body, the earth—and to those I share it with.”

Kimberly runs the biggest FREE plant-based food festival in Canada - VegTO Fest.

And this year is VegTO Fest’s 40th Anniversary!

Kimberly embraced veganism after learning about the positive impacts for human health, the environment, and animal welfare, back in 2015.

She continues to deepen her understanding and learnings around intersectionality to better support and amplify others and strengthen the movement.

Nothing lights her up more than preparing and sharing delicious plant-based meals with friends and family.

About VegTO:
For 80 years, VegTO (formerly known as Toronto Vegetarian Association) has cultivated community, activism, and plant-based progress. Their goal is a world where people think critically about their food choices, where a growing number of businesses, community groups, and organizations inspire people to make healthier, greener, more compassionate choices; and where nutritious, sustainable, plant-based foods are accessible to all.

VegTO prides itself on providing expert information, celebrating Toronto’s diversity, and embracing our grassroots, volunteer-driven history.

Q&A with Kimberly

What’s been your plant-based journey been like?
I went vegan more or less overnight. The moment I learned that I could thrive eating only plants, something in me shifted. It was like I had been handed the missing piece to a puzzle I didn’t know I was working on. I had been an omnivore every day of my life until that point. And in a single moment, I changed. That was ten years ago—and it’s still the best decision I’ve ever made.

Where do you put your passion and energy?
As the Executive Director of VegTO, I get to pour my energy into community-building and plant-powered change. From championing local businesses to hosting VegTO Fest—Canada’s largest vegan event—I’m proud to help shape a more vibrant, compassionate city.

Among my friends and chosen family, though? I’m known as the biggest foodie around. I love to cook, I love to eat, and I especially love sharing meals with the people I care about. Going vegan didn’t narrow my world—it cracked it wide open. It deepened my connection to flavour, seasonality, culture, and creativity. I’ve spent years exploring global cuisines, supporting local growers, and finding joy in everyday ingredients.

What’s next?
This year, VegTO turns 80. Eight decades of community, activism, and plant-based progress. I’m deeply honoured to be part of this legacy—and even more excited about what’s next. This milestone isn’t just a celebration—it’s an invitation to reimagine the future. How can we inspire the next 80 years of vegan living? What role can joy, equity, and accessibility play in that vision? That’s the work that fuels me.

I’m also building something new—an early-stage plant-based beverage venture that’s been simmering in my heart for a while. It’s early days, but I’m energized by what’s possible when creativity meets values.