Why Go Veg

Although Bindu wasn’t always plant-based, growing up vegetarian sparked a lifelong love for exploring the delicious world of veggie cuisine. After witnessing the positive impact that a vegetarian diet had on her health and well-being, she embraced a plant-forward and GF lifestyle that’s both nourishing and exciting. Bindu believes vegetarianism shouldn’t be complicated. Her passion lies in showing how easy and accessible it can be. Whether throwing together some quick tacos or incorporating local produce into your travels, there’s always a plant-based option waiting to be discovered. With over 25 countries explored, her favorite souvenir isn’t a trinket, but the inspiration to recreate the vibrant vegetarian dishes she encounters. Bindu is eager to share her experiences and ignite your own culinary adventures at Veggie Fest!

Simran is a tech professional and a life-long vegetarian. Her favorite way to learn a new recipe is to make it 10 different ways: Ask her about her high protein sourdough toast recipes! Simran is deeply passionate about holistic health and is excited about the continuing research surrounding whole food plant-based diets.

Bianca is a lifelong vegetarian, passionate about promoting a plant-based diet. As a fifth-generation vegetarian, Bianca believes in advocating for a diet that best supports our health, our planet, and our animals. Bianca received her Master’s degree in Business Management (2023) and currently works in advertising in Chicago, IL. 

Anna-Dawn works as a User Experience Designer and has been a vegetarian her whole life. Growing up in the 1980’s, she remembers driving with her mom after school to buy organic produce and whole wheat bread– which could only be found in small, natural food stores at the time. She is excited to see healthy vegetarian diets and lifestyles continue to grow in popularity every year, and has a passion for helping others discover the world of vegetarian foods and the holistic health and wellness benefits they can offer.

Annette is an oncology infusion nurse at Northwestern Memorial’s Warrenville Cancer Center.  She is passionate about empowering her patients to take wholistic charge of their health during treatment through healthy diet, exercise, and meditation. She received her Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate through T. Colin Campbell’s Center for Nutrition Studies in 2018 and continues ongoing study through the readings of Michael Gregor’s How Not to Die, William Li’s Eat to Beat Disease, and David Servan-Schreiber’s Anti-Cancer, A New Way of Life (to name a few).  She has been a vegetarian for almost 10 years and credits meditation as the catalyst that has connected her to her life’s purpose. She is grateful for the opportunity to support others in their health journey.