After learning about the cruelties of factory farming nearly two decades ago, Kristina chose to dedicate her life to promoting a peaceful, plant-based existence. She spent the next few years working directly in animal advocacy as a Campaign Coordinator, traveling the US to educate and inspire change. As a Corporate Liaison, she worked with major brands to implement policies that benefit animals. From 2014 to 2024 Kristina owned a popular vegan food business, V-Grits, which grew from a food truck, to a meal service, to a brick and mortar restaurant. Kristina is a mom to a six year old who has been plant-based since birth. She is a health food enthusiast and vintage toy collector.

Courtney Johnson is a seasoned vegan chef with 26 years of experience in the culinary world, including over five years of expertise in building innovative, plant-based menus. His journey to veganism began after completing a transformative 30-day challenge, which led him to adopt a vegan lifestyle for health reasons—and he’s never looked back. Having honed his skills in a variety of kitchens and running restaurants, Courtney is dedicated to creating flavorful, nourishing dishes that not only support well-being but also showcase the versatility of plant-based cuisine. His passion for vegan cooking is rooted in both his personal health journey and a commitment to sustainability. With a deep respect for the art of cooking and a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients, he is on a mission to inspire others to embrace the benefits of vegan food.

Kenna Brown is a passionate vegan chef with over four years of experience crafting vibrant, plant-based dishes at home and at one of Kentucky’s most popular and loved vegan restaurants; V-Grits. Raised in a vegan household, her love for compassionate cooking and animal welfare has been a part of her identity from day one. With a deep commitment to using fresh, sustainable ingredients, she brings creativity and flavor to every plate. Outside the kitchen, Kenna shares her home with her two beloved cats and enjoys spending time with her supportive family, including her loving parents who raised her vegan and nurtured her passion for cooking, as well as her four siblings, three of whom were also raised vegan. A lifelong vegan and advocate for animal rights, Kenna is committed to making a positive impact on both people and the planet through her cooking.

Jenny Brown, a passionate advocate for animals and sustainable living, has been vegan since 2003 and vegetarian since 1990. She worked in film and television before filming undercover for several national animal protection organizations, which changed the course of her life. In 2004, Jenny and her husband, Doug Abel, founded the Woodstock Farm Sanctuary, a renowned animal sanctuary in New York. She is the author of The Lucky Ones: My Passionate Fight for Farm Animals. After leaving the organization in 2016, she embarked on a funded three-year speaking tour at universities across the country, raising awareness about the plight of animals, the environmental harms of animal agriculture, and the many benefits of a vegan diet. Jenny’s unwavering commitment to compassion and ethical living has inspired countless individuals to embrace a more plant-based lifestyle. After returning to her hometown of Louisville in 2018, Jenny took over as the Director of the Bluegrass VegFest (now the Louisville VegFest) and orchestrated its growth. She now proudly sits in a supportive role as the Board Chair and President. 

Melissa is a Louisville, Kentucky transplant by way of Maryland, Ohio, and North Carolina. She has been living the vegan life since August 2012, for the animals, environment, and (sometimes) for health. She has been running the @louisvilleveganfoodie account on Instagram since July 2020, and she loves featuring vegan food options around town. When she's not busy working (in the healthcare business) or taking the most detailed notes for the VegKentucky board, she's spending time adventuring and training with her pittie mix Romeo, cooking, baking, eating, hiking, perusing grocery store aisles, and more. Her favorite travel destinations have been Thailand, Peru, and Mt. Kilimanjaro. Melissa is a strong believer in the Oxford comma, and her favorite burner on the stove is the front left.

Stephen joined the VegKentucky team recently after volunteering at the annual Bluegrass VegFest since 2022.  Previously a vegetarian for 25+ years, he has been vegan since 2019.  He is also a volunteer at Tribe Animal Sanctuary in Louisville for the last 2.5 years.  Stephen works for CommonSpirit Health in hospital finance and is a certified public accountant.  He has a B.A degree in accounting from Bellarmine University.  He is married with 3 kids and 6 adopted cats from the Oldham County Humane Society.  His involvement in VegKentucky is out of concern for the welfare of animals and he hopes to provide those interested with information and encouragement about living a plant-based lifestyle.

Harry and his wife Jan became vegan in 1998, long before it was cool to be vegan, making this choice to eliminate animal cruelty in their lives.  Harry began volunteering for the Bluegrass Vegfest in 2022 which later morphed into a seat on the board for the VegFest, which then pivoted to a board seat for VegKentucky.

Harry brings a wealth of entrepreneurial expertise to the board, having graduated from the University of Louisville’s Speed School with a BS in Computer Science and Engineering Math, and later from the inaugural class of the University of Louisville’s flagship Integrative MBA program.  He has successfully started three companies, and now relaxes in his retirement years with White Clay Consulting as one of their developers.  Harry and Jan live in St. Matthews where their dog, Louie, and their cat, Sassy, allow them to cohabitate.

Doug Abel is a non-voting advisory board member. He is the co-founder of Woodstock Farm Sanctuary and has been vegan for more than 2 decades. When not advocating for animals, he works as a film editor on such notable documentary projects as Tiger King and Chimp Crazy, as well as scripted television like 30 Rock and The Sinner. Doug brings lots of important technical, promotional and organizational skills to the nonprofit. He is married to Board member Jenny Brown, and they share a home with a rescued family of 3 dogs, 4 cats, 4 hens, and a rotating cast of foster dogs and cats for Louisville Metro Animal Services and Kentucky Humane Society.