VWS Awards: Founder of the Year

Lagos, Nigeria

Founder, VeggieVictory

Bola Adeyanju is the founder of VeggieVictory, Nigeria's first vegan restaurant and a plant-based product company specializing in locally produced meat alternatives. VeggieVictory is Nigeria's first vegan restaurant which introduced Vchunks, a 100% plant-based, protein-rich meat alternative, addressing severe protein deficiency in the region. 

Bola Adeyanju is a trailblazing entrepreneur in Nigeria, where vegan awareness is still in its infancy. Her dedication to promoting a healthier, more sustainable, and compassionate lifestyle is commendable. Beyond her business, Bola's initiatives, such as NaijaVeg and the Vegan School Outreach, demonstrate her commitment to spreading awareness about plant-based diets and sustainability.

London, UK

Founder, Made in Hackney

Sarah Bentley founder of Made In Hackney, a plant-based community cookery school and eco kitchen that promotes sustainable eating and provides support to marginalized community groups.

Sarah Bentley's work through Made In Hackney is nothing short of extraordinary. Her community cookery school not only teaches sustainable eating but also supports marginalized groups, including women recovering from trafficking, those with health conditions, and young women leaving care. Sarah's commitment to veganism and the environment is unwavering, and she has never compromised on the vegan aspect of her food policy. She's an advocate for the animals and an inspiration to many.

Los Angeles, US

Founder, Vegans of LA Food Bank

Gwenna Hunter is the Founder of Vegans of LA, a vegan food bank and plant-based education initiative that addresses food insecurity in the community. Gwenna's work with Vegans of LA has made a significant impact on addressing food insecurity. Her organization opened an additional vegan food bank on the USC campus due to high demand. 

Gwenna's culturally inclusive approach, translation services, and commitment to meeting people where they are have been crucial. She runs the only Black woman-run vegan food bank in Los Angeles, using her own experiences with food insecurity to connect with and inspire others. Gwenna is changing lives through her work, providing plant-based education, and empowering individuals to make compassionate food choices.