Photos from 2025 in this collage: Barata El, our new president, posing in the Caroline E-Carriage at The 1890s Vegan Thanksgiving Gala; Alysoun Mahoney and other gala attendees enjoy listening to the barbershop quartet; successful Activist Networking events at American Vegan Center; and participants at our Dinner Cruise on the Delaware learning more about Freya’s work as part of the celebration.

A Landmark Year at American Vegan Society

We honored our legacy, stepped into new leadership, and expanded our role as a cultural and community hub for veganism. Here are some highlights from 2025.

 

Leadership, Legacy, and Living History

A new chapter begins.

After more than six decades of service to American Vegan Society (AVS), including serving as president since 2000, Freya Dinshah retired and became President Emeritus. In January, Anne Dinshah stepped into the newly created role of CEO, and in May Barata El became Board President, marking a thoughtful leadership transition grounded in continuity, teamwork, and care.

Barata and Anne*

Vegan history comes alive.                                                                                                                                                                   

The 1890s Vegan Thanksgiving Gala brought vegan history off the page and into the present through live re-enactment, a collaboration with Seth Tibbott, Rachel Klein, and Christina Pirello. With actual vegetarian recipes from the 1890s veganized by Philadelphia’s top chefs, a barber-shop quartet, ballroom dancing, and guests in Victorian attire, the evening captured national attention and is now the subject of an upcoming UnchainedTV documentary.

Amie Hamlin, Seth Tibbott, and Susan Hargreaves at The 1890s Vegan Thanksgiving Gala*

Honoring Freya.                                                                                                                                                                                   

Freya’s retirement was celebrated throughout the year. Over 160 people attended the American Vegan Garden Party to hear her speak in May. The October Dinner Cruise on the Delaware River featured tributes, dancing, and heartfelt appreciation.

Freya enjoying the beautiful sunset on the cruise

Innovative leadership in action.

As bold, creative fundraising, Row for the Animals, Anne’s 26.2-mile rowing marathon on the Schuylkill River, raised awareness for the over 80 billion land animals (and countless fishes) killed for food each year and reached a wide public via WHYY/PBS and live social media updates.

Anne rowing this fall

 

American Vegan Center

A thriving cultural hub.

Despite two months of construction obscuring our entrance, the American Vegan Center (AVC) welcomed 4400 visitors in 2025, up from 4000 the year before. Lectures on vegan history and ethics, led by AVC Director Vance Lehmkuhl and other speakers, along with open mic nights, art exhibits, and activist networking, kept the Center lively and welcoming.

Vance gives a Veg History lecture*

Food builds connection.

Our Five-Minute Vegan Cooking Demos continue to be a hit. The August First Friday drew 100 attendees and featured BIPOC presenters, offering quick recipes, tastings, and time to connect. These demos are now also livestreamed, extending their reach beyond Philly.

Taz Patterson at her popular Vegan Soul Food Fusion demo in February

Sharing resources widely.

Through programs and street outreach, American Vegan Center distributed approximately 700 free books, 3000 free food samples, hundreds of copies of American Vegan magazine, and plenty of practical vegan information including restaurant menus, local events, and community resources.

Outreach volunteers Vickie Collette and Lisa Melian*

 

Welcome to Veganism

Meeting people where they are.

AVS engaged people through eco-fairs, festivals, conferences, parades, and everyday street outreach, offering friendly conversations and accessible entry points into vegan living. This year we also revised our website to make information easier to find and more welcoming to newcomers.

Regan Falkenstein, Theresa Anderson, and Vickie Collette at the  American Vegan Garden Party welcome table in May

Experiences that invite participation.

From cooking demos and dinners to collaborative events and informal conversations, our programs emphasized curiosity, connection, and the everyday joys of living vegan.

A happy gathering enjoying the first course of the Gala dinner, clockwise from bottom left: Doris Lin, Dan Kim, Ryan O’Dwyer, Nicole Maurer, Mary Finelli, Barbara Bailin, Maynard Clark *

 

Building National Vegan Community

Stories that travel.

Both issues of American Vegan magazine celebrated people, history, and practical activism across the country. Members consistently tell us they read it, reread it, and pass it along, extending its impact far beyond our mailing list. We are currently doing two magazine issues in print per year– balancing our efforts with today’s website, social media, and other online communications.

Dr. Veggie (Ted Barnett) and Carol Hee Barnett grace the cover of American Vegan magazine Fall 2025/Winter 2026.

Strengthening movement connections.

AVS continued to build relationships with organizations, scholars, advocates, and cultural partners. For example, we are currently running a food drive in Philly with Support+Feed. Through events, publications, and in-person gatherings, we connected people, ideas, vegan history, and the future of the movement. We close the year energized, optimistic, and excited to do even more together in 2026.

Lisa Melian, Doris Lin, and Regan Falkenstein help with a Support + Feed food drive at vegan superstar  Billie Eilish’s concert in Philly in October.

Please donate to American Vegan Society here.

*Photos compliments of Bernard Jones – Influx Photography.

All other photos by AVS staff