ANIMAL LIBERATION THROUGH KIND HEARTED ARTIVISM, ACTIVISM AND EDUCATION
TEACHERS AND Speakers
more speakers to come...... Until then get to know these folks
Join writer and activist Brittany Michelson for a transformative workshop that explores how creative writing can be a powerful form of advocacy. She will share insights from her experience as both an activist and a writer, showing how writing can inspire action and spark change. From personal narratives and articles to poems, songs, and other forms of writing, Brittany empowers activists to use their voices for animals through the written word. Participants will engage in exercises designed to unlock creativity and transfer thoughts, feelings, ideas, and experiences onto the page.
Brittany is the author and editor of Voices for Animal Liberation: Inspirational Accounts by Animal Rights Activists (March 2020) and has written numerous pieces that raise awareness about veganism and animal rights. She holds an MFA in Creative Nonfiction, has led writing workshops, and previously taught writing to children and teenagers.
GROOVE is at the heart of her healing practice—a joyful, freeing dance experience that’s all about moving your way, feeling good, and connecting with others. As a Groove Dance facilitator, sound healer, and yoga teacher, she blends rhythm, movement, and deep presence to create powerful spaces for transformation.
Grooving is more than dance—it’s healing for the body, mind, and soul. No steps to learn, no experience needed—just you, the music, and the freedom to move.
Come Groove under the stars at the Vegan Campout, where music, movement, and a big-hearted, animal-loving tribe come together.
Brittany is the Campaigns Director for The Protego Foundation and has dedicated her life to creating a kinder world for all beings.Born and raised in California, Brittany graduated from USC with a degree in Comparative Literature with an emphasis on Film. A passionate vegan for 12 years, she has organized with Direct Action Everywhere, contributed to multiple PETA campaigns, and has bravely investigated factory farms and slaughterhouses across California. Her commitment to animal rights has led to multiple arrests for civil disobedience. 💪But Brittany is much more than an activist! She’s a home cook, feminist, cinephile, writer, introvert, singer, actor, and a lit nerd with a love for pushing boundaries. 🎭📚At this year’s campout, Brittany will be hosting an inspiring Campaign Strategy Academy designed to ignite your passion and help you make a real impact. Don’t miss the chance to learn from her wealth of experience and creativity! ✨
Jerry Friedman, a passionate attorney and long-time animal rights activist, will be joining us for an empowering “Know Your Rights” workshop! Whether you’re an activist or simply someone who wants to be informed, knowing your rights is essential for everyone.
Jerry Friedman is an attorney who advocates for animal rights activists. His cases have ranged from a current lawsuit against the City of Los Angeles for harassing and arresting lawful protesters at Griffith Park to holding Santa Cruz animal control accountable after an unconstitutional raid of a chicken sanctuary.
Jerry has been vegan for 32 years. As an animal rights activist, he became involved in the animal rights movement in Orange County where he participated in ending Knott’s Berry Farm’s dolphin exploitation, forcing Circus Vargas to end animal shows, banning exotic animals from display in the City of Huntington Beach, helping rehabilitate hundreds of pelicans after they were poisoned by agricultural run-off by the Salton Sea, and participating in innumerable other campaigns. Jerry participated in civil disobedience and was arrested several times in the late 1990s that inspired him to pursue his law degree in the following decade. Otherwise, Jerry has advocated for animals on TV and radio programs, spoken on vegan topics internationally, and he’s been published in journals and books, most notably discussing his lawsuit against Adidas in Critical Animal and Media Studies (2015) for its illegal sale of kangaroo skins. Jerry has also been vice president and board member of In Defense of Animals and been an officer and board member with other animal advocacy organizations over the years.
Maggie (she/her) – a powerhouse Latina immigrant, scientist at UCSD, and fierce advocate for animals! 🐾 She kicked off her activism journey fighting environmental issues in Chile and now leads the charge for animal liberation in San Diego with Direct Action Everywhere and the Kind Heart Coalition. 💪🌍
Maggie believes EVERYONE has the power to be an activist in their own way. Her mission? To inspire YOU to join the movement towards a more just and compassionate world! 🌱💚
When she's not changing the world, Maggie is a proud cat mom to three fur babies 🐱🐱🐱 and one rescue rabbit 🐰. She's also a rock-climbing enthusiast 🧗♀️ and board member of Allied Climbers of San Diego, where she brings the community together, one climb at a time.
Bianca Adriana - With 9 years of activist experience and 8 years of being vegan, Bianca’s experience in community gatherings and creating safe spaces is one that she hopes to continue sharing! As the co-founder of JustUs Entertainment, her goal is to uplift grass roots organizations and artists while giving voice to the voiceless through event support and creation. They’re proud supporters of the Kind Heart Coalition since 2020 and have worked with VKind at their VKX Experience. Her passions and other work also extends into DJing, singing, dancing, and fitness!
Alex Aria Enriquez is a San Diego Native and a Painter that creates pieces that focus on animal rights and veganism. His greatest joy has always been creating unique and emotional artwork that he uses to educate his audiences of how to positively impact the world. He believes every individual has the power and the creative capability to make valid change. Whether it's through paint, music, or literature change can come from anyone and everyone. He looks forward to creating new art creations alongside all the campers once again this year and guide them forward in their creative journeys.
Gayatri Sehgal (they/them), M.A. Yoga Studies, specializes in empowering changemakers in their mental health and resilience. They are the founder of 'bodhisattvism,' a project which helps people turn their anxiety, overwhelm, stuckness, and grief into enduring peace and clarity about their path to creating collective liberation. Gayatri utilizes decolonial yoga therapy, eco-psychology, and mindfulness to support people. Gayatri also co-founded Haus of Liberation, an intentional community safe for QT/BIPOC and vegan spiritual practitioners. Watch or listen to their podcast entitled 'bodhisattvism' on all major platforms.
DJ Kiki began developing her hip hop and house skills on the decks at the start of 2006. She began to include many genres of music including EDM, Hip Hop, Old School, House, Electronic, Trap, and top forty. She began her career as a resident Dj at Richs and Numbers playing hip hop and EDM. Other residencies included Brass Rail, Micky’s LA, VlVT, Orange County, Bourbon st, and Gossip Grill. Her infectious and versatility on the decks has led her to numerous guests spots and residencies in top nightclubs in LA, Phoenix, San Francisco, and Las Vegas just to name a few. Performing in several major cities across the country.