Why Go Veg

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. 

Aastha Saggar is the founder of Still Strength Wellness, where she empowers individuals to take control of their health through mindset, movement, nourishment, and presence. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and a Master of Public Health, and brings over 5 years of experience as a health coach, along with more than a decade of experience in the healthcare field. At the age of 24, Aastha was diagnosed with breast cancer – a life-altering experience that transformed her perspective on health and healing. Through her journey, she discovered the profound impact of daily practices such as movement, gratitude, stillness, and plant-based nutrition in supporting recovery, but in creating a foundation for long-term well-being. As someone who lives a vegan lifestyle and deeply values the power of movement, Aastha integrates both science and lived experience into her work. She is passionate about helping people shift from reacting to illness to proactively creating vitality, resilience, and balance in their everyday lives. Aastha will be continuing her journey in healthcare by beginning nursing school this fall, further expanding her ability to support and care for others.

Today, she shares her story to inspire others to take ownership of their health in times of crisis, as well as a daily practice of self-care, awareness, and empowerment.

Anna Dauksa is a marketing strategist, nonprofit co-founder, and wellness advocate who keeps her meals as intentional as her work. Eating vegetarian and gluten-free, she’s found that simplicity, creativity, and a well-used tortilla go a long way—without breaking the budget. In this talk, Anna shares how easy, flavorful, and affordable meals help her stay nourished while juggling a full life in leadership, community, and self-care.

Ananya Sethi is a model, actor and storyteller whose work bridges cultures and continents. With a foundation in theater production and a growing presence in film, she’s known for bringing depth, nuance, and authenticity to every role. Ananya has trained internationally and worked on projects across genres, always driven by a passion for meaningful storytelling. Whether on stage or screen, she captivates audiences with her thoughtful performances and unwavering dedication to her craft. In her talk, Ananya invites audiences to reimagine vegetarianism–not as a set of rules or a diet, but as an opportunity for self-reflection and a deeper understanding of the values that guide our everyday lives.

Monica is a retired school and public health nurse who has been vegetarian for four decades. Summertime finds her bicycling anywhere from 15 to 100 miles. In the off season, she swims and hikes. She fuels these activities with healthy, home-cooked meals and dark chocolate! Monica and her husband raised three sons who are lifelong, active vegetarians. She’s looking forward to sharing all of the amazing benefits of a vegetarian lifestyle.

Erika Velazquez (Lucero) es una educadora bilingüe cuya pasión por la enseñanza surgió hace 20 años gracias a la meditación y a un estilo de vida vegetariano. Este cambio la convirtió en una maestra más paciente y empática. Motivada por la compasión hacia los animales, ha aprendido y desarrollado estrategias para fomentar la compasión en sus alumnos, lo que ha contribuido a su éxito profesional. Hoy compartirá sus reflexiones sobre cómo cultivar la autocompasión.

Erika Velazquez (Lucero) is a bilingual educator whose passion for teaching was ignited 20 years ago through meditation and a vegetarian lifestyle. This change made her a more patient and empathetic teacher. Motivated by compassion for animals, she has learned and developed strategies to foster compassion in her students, contributing to her success in the profession. Today, she will share her insights on cultivating self-compassion.

Monica is a retired school and public health nurse who has been vegetarian for four decades. Summertime finds her bicycling anywhere from 15 to 100 miles. In the off season, she swims and hikes. She fuels these activities with healthy, home-cooked meals and dark chocolate! Monica and her husband raised three sons who are lifelong, active vegetarians. She’s looking forward to sharing all of the amazing benefits of a vegetarian lifestyle.

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.

Robyn is a certified human resources professional from Naperville, IL. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Corporate Communications from Southern Illinois University and completed an HR certification program from DePaul University. As the first vegetarian in her family, her interest in vegetarianism began when she was 12-years old. She has since discovered the indisputable, life-affirming benefits of eating a whole food, plant-based diet and has done so for the last 20 years.