Annual General Meeting 2025
Board Member Information
Click here to view information on current and returning board members.
Candidate List
Julie Cohen
Julie became a vegan in 2001 after reading philosopher Peter Singer’s “Animal Liberation.” She has her PhD in Clinical Psychology and is equally passionate about helping people and animals. She moved to Toronto in early 2025 and prior to that was a volunteer for animal causes in Pennsylvania, Arizona and Massachusetts. Julie attended her first VegTO Fest this September and was inspired to get more involved in VegTO. She loves to try Toronto’s best vegan restaurants with her husband, as well as dine at new vegan spots when traveling abroad. Julie looks forward to collaborating with other Board members to work toward positive change for animals, people, and the natural world.
Adrienne George
“It’s an honour, each day, to align my values and my actions for the animals, the planet and our improved health. Once we know better, we need to do better!” Adrienne George has been an ethical vegan 8 years ago and has never looked back! Currently Global Marketing Director with Animal Save Movement and the Plant Based Treaty campaign, Adrienne is also Co-Organizer for Toronto Pig Save, Lead Safety Marshal for Toronto Pig Save and Cow Save, Regional Liaison for ASM chapters in North America and a Board Member and Organizer for Burlington Vegfest. With a college diploma in Marketing and Promotions, as well as a degree in History from Brock University, Adrienne branched out into a 20-year Marketing & Special Events career with companies such as Warner Music Canada and Tim Hortons. Adrienne also volunteers, on a weekly basis, at her “happy place” – The Ass Menagerie Sanctuary, in Wainfleet, Ontario, where she gladly helps to clean the barn, pamper the animals and hug sheep.
Fraser Gibson
Fraser has been on the Board of Directors for more than fifteen years including serving as President for a five-year term, and Treasurer for the past two years. During his time with VegTO, he has been active on committees such as Nominating & Governance, Programs Review, and Strategic Planning and spent many years as coordinator for Veggies of Halton & Peel. Fraser has previous board experience with non-profit arts organizations. In the workplace he manages quality systems, the facilitation of project teams, and a variety of strategic initiatives, with a specialty in supply chain management. Fraser has been on his veg journey for almost 40 years and adopted a vegan diet 24 years ago. VegTO programs have had a significant positive impact on his life; he is honoured to be able to give back and help support the organization.
Priya Rao
A foodie and wine lover, Priya switched to a vegetarian diet in 1995 and then to a vegan one in 2011. An entertainer since childhood, she’s had a lot of time to think about how to translate her love of hosting and cooking for people from meat and potatoes to vino and veggies. Priya had previously hosted vegan food and wine events in Toronto as part of the duo A Vine Romance, appearing on Breakfast Television, as guest wine experts on 640AM and Rogers Daytime, and writing articles for Prince Edward County’s Grapevine Magazine, Restaurants Canada and NatalieMaclean.com. She also created and co-hosted the tv show, THE DRINK, for Bell FIBE TV1. She is currently a contributor for Vineroutes.com on all things vegan food & wine. Priya has shared the joys of vegan food and wine at festivals such as Plant-Based Expo in NYC, Montreal Vegan Festival and the Puerto Rico Vegan Festival. She has hosted dinners at private clubs and golf clubs, and has been MC for vegan events around the city. These days Priya is mom to one rescue dog and step-mom to another. She is passionate about enjoying a fabulous, sustainable life.
Presentations & Financials (for member review)
Click here to view select AGM presentations as well as the organizations' financials
Attendees will approve items like the 2024 minutes at the beginning of the meeting. Please review.