Vegan Storyteller’s On Being Vegan interview series features Shriya Swaminathan.
Dedicating her life to fighting for Animal Liberation
Shriya is an ethical vegan and animal rights activist in St. Louis, Missouri, who dedicates her life to helping animals. Through her tenacity and charm, she finds allies and partners to help her achieve her goals of ending animal testing and growing the vegan movement.
Shriya and I first met during a Project Animal Freedom film screening of The Animal People and a post-film discussion with Jake Conroy (aka The Cranky Vegan), one of the activists featured in the documentary who was imprisoned for six years for protesting against animal abuse and exploitation.
I was impressed by her winning ways in bringing Jake to St. Louis and captivating an audience with her side of an argument. Then I learned that Shriya is a scientist, a mentor to activists for animal rights, a volunteer at a farm animal sanctuary, and an entrepreneur in the vegan hospitality industry.
Shriya invites us into her world of helping animals by sharing her dreams, her story, and revealing the obstacles she has overcome.
L-R: Shriya, Jake Conroy (The Cranky Vegan), and Kyle Luyzinski, Executive Director of Project Animal Freedom.
Finding a pathway that leads to liberating animals
VEGAN STORYTELLER
You have always been passionate about animals and their well-being. Wanting to help animals has been a dream of yours since you were young. How much of an effort was it for you to pursue an actual career that is focused on fighting for Animal Liberation?
SHRIYA
I think being deeply connected to my “why” motivates me to find a way to move through obstacles.
My biggest challenge was going against the grain and challenging societal norms and expectations. Over time, I learned to get out of my own head and seek opportunities that I truly cared about rather than what others expected me to care about.
I have since realized that there is no stand-alone way to achieve fighting for Animal Liberation through one’s career.
VEGAN STORYTELLER
Taking time to go inward to discern your future had a great payoff in the end, didn’t it?
SHRIYA
While I had intended to contribute to the cause through the conventional scientific route of researching ways to end animal testing, taking the time to reflect on what actually motivates me was immensely helpful.
By leaving graduate school to work in the Lab Investigations Department at People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, I feel so much more aligned with my calling and empowered to put my best self forward for the animals.
Exploring different ways to help animals and fight for Animal Liberation
VEGAN STORYTELLER
You had studied to be a veterinarian, but later changed your mind. What prompted the change of heart in choosing veterinary medicine as a career?
SHRIYA
I initially thought I wanted to be a veterinarian and got a degree in human biology at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD). This major was applicable to pre-vet students as well.
I joined the Pre-Veterinarian Student Association and through my time there, I realized that caring for animals wasn’t sufficient for a career in the veterinary field.
I began to explore different ways to help animals when I realized that fighting for Animal Liberation is what I wanted in my future profession.
VEGAN STORYTELLER
There was a pivotal point in college when you encountered a speaker who sparked something in you that caused you to pursue putting an end to animal testing. Tell us about that moment in your life.
SHRIYA
I had attended a lecture by a UCSD alumnus who spoke about a pharmaceutical company he had started. I asked him about animal testing at his company. His response planted a seed in my mind.
He told me it would be a game-changer in the pharmaceutical industry if someone could solve the issue of not using animals for testing.
I was already living an ethical vegan lifestyle. I had never bought any products that were tested on animals or were made from animals, and I ate plant-based.
Given my passion for science and helping animals, I became excited about the prospect of brining the two together by working on developing animal-free upgrades to experimental models in biomedical research.
I felt like a hypocrite and knew that by consuming dairy and eggs, I wasn’t being true to myself and what I actually believed about how animals deserve to be treated.
Creating opportunities to end lab experiments on animals
VEGAN STORYTELLER
After realizing that you wanted to get involved in a form of science that would allow you to replace animal testing, how did you go about creating opportunities to pursue your vision of ending lab experiments on animals?
SHRIYA
I took steps to get all the necessary credentials and qualifications. I volunteered in a research lab on campus, interned at a pharmaceutical company, and graduated from UCSD early so I could intern at a biotech company for 6 months.
In the interim, I applied to different Ph.D. programs specializing in stem cell biology and chose to attend Washington University in St. Louis. It felt like the best fit for me.
During my interview there, I met with several faculty doing fascinating work on what is called in vitro organoid models, which take human stem cells and develop them into miniature organs so scientists can study physiology, development, disease, and treatments – all in a dish!
Overall, it seemed like an intellectually stimulating space where I could work on contributing to animal-free models to advance biomedical research, while saving countless animals.
Scientific studies fuel Shriya's passion for helping animals and fighting for their liberation
VEGAN STORYTELLER
How did these scientific studies fuel your passion of fighting for animal liberation and advancing your call to Animal Rights activism?
SHRIYA
I was too focused on coming through with the expectations I had projected onto myself and didn’t realize that life in a laboratory – troubleshooting experiments, getting things to work, dealing with disturbing comments about the nonchalant use of animals – was not where I felt my best.
In fact, I often found myself losing sight of the big picture goal I envisioned of developing animal-free methods to model biology. It was clear to me that the entire research paradigm is biased towards animal experimentation.
While I chose not to be involved in any study that necessitated the use of animals, I was definitely in the minority.
The system is what had to change, and I understood that I was knowingly putting myself through this unhappiness because I thought that is what I had to do to be successful.
Pandemic opens new doors to vegan activism
VEGAN STORYTELLER
What shifted for you that took you from working unhappily in science laboratory work and feeling dissatisfied as a grad student to feeling happy and fulfilled in a world of vegan advocacy and animal rights activism?
SHRIYA
The pandemic was the kick in the butt I needed. While staying at home, I found myself doing a lot more work on animal-rights related projects.
I knew I cared more about that work than I did graduate school-related things.
One day, while scrolling through Instagram, I came across a post from VegNews featuring a new plant-based product that was gearing up to hit the shelves.
It occurred to me that I could reach out to the editorial team and pitch articles myself!
I’ve always been inspired by stories of revolutionary pioneers and this was a great opportunity to do so in the vegan/plant-based space.
Shriya volunteering at The Gentle Barn in Tennessee.
VEGAN STORYTELLER
Your companion animals have been a catalyst for much of the change that has taken place in your life. We’ll talk about your cat Ginger a little bit later. Didn’t your dog also play a role in advancing opportunities for you as a vegan activist?
SHRIYA
As someone with a companion dog, I was conflicted with the debate about a healthy diet for dogs and whether they can thrive on plants.
Through my research, I learned of Bond Pet Foods, an innovative food tech company making delicious treats for dogs without harming animals.
I pitched an interview with the CEO to the VegNews team and they were enthusiastic about the idea. I had an enlightening chat with Co-Founder and CEO Rich Kelleman.
The entire experience was incredible! The feeling of seeing an article published in VegNews with my name on is one that I will never forget.
VEGAN STORYTELLER
Pitching articles was just the first step for you in charting your own future. What other pursuits did you follow that opened doors to new opportunities?
SHRIYA
I also started volunteering with the Agriculture Fairness Alliance. It’s a fantastic organization that works on legislative solutions to tackle unfair subsidies going to animal agriculture, and helping farmers transition to plant-based farming to feed the communities with nourishing foods and fuel the plant-based economy.
Eventually, I would find myself spending weekends volunteering at The Gentle Barn, a farm animal rescue organization in Dittmer, Missouri, a short distance from St. Louis.
There wasn’t a day when I felt dread while doing this work that aligned with my mission. It filled me with joy, purpose and meaning.
VEGAN STORYTELLER
But then another shift took place and things changed again for you, right? What happened next?
SHRIYA
Talks began about campus reopening. People in my lab started going back to work. The feeling of dread hit me like a ton of bricks!
I did NOT want to go back to my mundane grad student life. I was constantly anxious and on edge.
As operations in the lab started to resume some semblance of normalcy, I was still slacking. My faculty mentor could tell that I wasn’t happy. I wasn’t putting in the work; I wasn’t there mentally.
He and I had a sit down and chatted about it. I decided to take a year’s leave of absence so I could commit all my time to exploring my options and figuring out my next steps, or if I wanted to return to the graduate school.
There wasn’t a day when I felt dread while doing this work that aligned with my mission. It filled me with joy, purpose and meaning.
Navigating the landscape as a novice in Animal Rights
VEGAN STORYTELLER
So, what did you do? What actions or avenues of approach did you take to find ways of fighting for Animal Liberation?
SHRIYA
I immediately started looking for internships and entry-level writing positions where I would start from scratch in the animal rights movement.
I didn’t think I had ANY experience or expertise, as this was a totally new ball game. The only experience I had was writing for VegNews and the limited volunteering I had done.
At one point during my search, I thought, “why not learn the ropes of becoming an activist while writing at the largest Animal Rights organization in the world?”
VEGAN STORYTELLER
You must be referring to the world renowned organization PETA – People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. Am I right?
SHRIYA
Yes. I started looking for positions at People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals and soon applied for writing positions at PETA.
A few days later, one of the senior members of PETA’s Laboratory Investigations Department contacted me. Perhaps someone had forwarded my application to him thinking I’d be a good fit for the team.
He explained that his department works with scientists, medical professionals, policymakers, and legislators to end animal experimentation and push for human-relevant animal-free methods to advance science.
It was the perfect intersection between animal protection and biomedical research I envisioned myself working in.
Being called to her vocation of fighting for Animal Liberation
VEGAN STORYTELLER
It sounds like you were being called to a vocation. Things began to fall into place for you after all of the steps you took with school, a leave of absence, freelance and volunteer work — everything, all of your efforts, paid off and paved the way for you to pursue your dream of helping animals.
SHRIYA
Once the door to PETA opened, I felt at home with my new job, and my colleagues felt like my happy work family. Of course, the learning curve was HUGE and I had to get used to a different way of life.
I was no longer a student. That feeling was equally scary and exciting. In my gut, I knew this is what I was meant to be doing all along.
Finally, I knew what it was like to wake up every day and love my work. It’s not something I felt as a graduate student.
It was really refreshing to feel aligned and connected with the big picture of what I’m working for — Animal Liberation.
The vegan hospitality industry creates new ways for Shriya to help animals
VEGAN STORYTELLER
I love your journey and the authentic way you manifested it. Along the way, you also have become involved in the vegan hospitality industry. Can you talk a little bit about this exciting part of the path you are on and how it assists you in fighting for Animal Liberation?
SHRIYA
While I was exploring my options outside of being a graduate student, I joined a group at Wash U that did consulting work for biotech companies and other local entrepreneurs in and around the St. Louis area.
I began to wonder if there are similar consulting groups that work with restaurants and help them cater to the growing vegan and plant-based community.
I thought it would be really fun to help restaurants expand their plant-based offerings so that vegan and plant-forward eaters could have an equally enjoyable dining experience as they SHOULD.
Getting paid to do so would be a dream!
Fortunately, I came across Vegan Hospitality, a high-impact hospitality and consulting training program founded by Meredith Marin, a remarkable human I’m honored to call my mentor and dear friend.
It was really refreshing to feel aligned and connected with the big picture of what I’m working for — Animal Liberation.
Working with businesses to help end animal suffering
VEGAN STORYTELLER
How did Meredith Marine’s company Vegan Hospitality meet your need of helping to end animal suffering?
SHRIYA
Throughout this course, I learned about the nuances of communicating and working with businesses.
At the end of the day, financial gains is a huge driver and motivation for them, whether we like it or not.
So, being able to navigate that, while advocating for vegan-friendly options, and showcasing why embracing the plant-based movement is beneficial for their business in the long-run was an interesting way of “outreach” I hadn’t given much thought to earlier.
Supporting a business while also helping animals is a powerful, innovative form of activism. It’s another tool in the expanding toolbox for Animal Liberation.
Nourish by Shriya, a business to encourage plant-based eating
VEGAN STORYTELLER
What does that look like when you help restaurants connect with vegans? What is the process you go through in a given day to amplify the vegan movement through restaurant menu choices?
SHRIYA
Saying that I have my own business feels pretty surreal, to say the least. Since my immediate goal is to help local businesses, the pandemic has been quite tough from a financial commitment standpoint for a lot of restaurants.
So I do my best to engage with them on social media, offer some advice, connect them with great plant-based wholesalers, and answer questions if needed.
As I’m relatively new to this venture, I like to be flexible with my services. I pivot based on the needs of the client. I hope to offer more fixed service packages as Nourish by Shriya evolves.
I call my business “Nourish by Shriya.” Coming out of my shyness, I wanted my name to be on there and be proud of my mission.
I chose the name Nourish because I resonated with how veganism has nourished my life and guided me to my purpose.
As part of the business, I also like to feature plant-based versions of diverse cultural cuisines to showcase that plant-based foods does not require having to compromise on traditional favorites.
In today's day and age of delicious, cruelty-free, plant-based eats, there really is no excuse for accommodating plant-based customers as an inconvenient afterthought.
Shriya (right) with her first clients as a vegan hospitality consultant at the London Tea Room in St. Louis, Missouri.
VEGAN STORYTELLER
SHRIYA
The vegan market has grown over 700% in the past year, with major hotels, restaurants, and cruise lines adding vegan dining options to their menus. How will your consulting experience help the hospitality and tourism industry meet the increasing demand for plant-based cuisine and vegan friendly customer service?
To be more specific about my certification in vegan hospitality, my goal is to help restaurants evaluate their vegan-friendly offerings or curate an exclusively vegan menu so they can expand their happy customer base!
In today’s day and age of delicious, cruelty-free, plant-based eats, there really is no excuse for accommodating plant-based customers as an inconvenient afterthought.
From sourcing vegan ingredients to educating the entire staff, I want to ensure that those who make compassionate food choices can also revel in high-quality hospitality.
I hope to be a part of the plant-powered revolution in hospitality by showing the ease and joy of thriving on plants without compromising culinary cultures.
VEGAN STORYTELLER
How does serving in vegan hospitality advance your cause of fighting for Animal Liberation?
SHRIYA
The work transcends food-related businesses. Spas, health and wellness centers, wineries, hotels, and resorts can all benefit from having a certified vegan expert at their service to ensure their establishments are using cruelty-free fabrics, cleaning products, self-care supplies, and other products that don’t harm animals.
Veganism encompasses the well-being of the entire planet. If businesses want to align their vision of sustainability with their actions, then their business model has to incorporate the cruelty-free ethics of veganism.
I can help businesses achieve this goal in my role as a vegan hospitality consultant.
As a certified vegan hospitality consultant, Shriya helps bring healthy vegan food to Missouri.
Taking risks and finding new opportunities to liberate animals
VEGAN STORYTELLER
You seem to have a knack for creating opportunities that work out for you. When you see an opening, you seize the moment. I am reminded of the adage, “Leap and the net appears.” How does it feel for you to take risks and trust the process that all will be well in the end?
SHRIYA
I moved around a lot as a child and young adult so I was no stranger to adapting to new situations.
My parents were born and raised in Tamil Nadu, South India, and came to the United States in the early 1990s.
I was born in Ohio, and then we lived in Pittsburgh for a couple of years before moving to Cupertino, California, and then to Chennai, Tamil Nadu, for eight years.
My family and I moved back to the states and I headed to UC San Diego as an undergraduate majoring in Human Biology.
I then moved to St. Louis to attend graduate school at Washington University, St. Louis. I learned early on that things eventually work out when you believe in it AND are proactive about creating and seeking opportunities.
It’s easier said than done, but instead of stressing over and resisting change, I found that going with the flow with curiosity and excitement has yielded favorable outcomes.
Access to a wonderful therapist also has been life-changing and a crucial resource that I don’t take for granted.
I became involved with the Animal Activism Mentorship Program to help new and aspiring animal rights activists find their voice in the Animal Rights movement.
Mentoring animal rights activists
VEGAN STORYTELLER
In addition to working with PETA to end animal testing and having an entrepreneurial side gig with Vegan Hospitality, you are a mentor to animal rights activists. How does the Animal Activism Mentorship Program feed your soul in ways that the other endeavors do not?
SHRIYA
I became involved with the Animal Activism Mentorship (AAM) Program to help new and aspiring Animal Rights activists.
The program pairs mentees with a mentor who might have similar experiences and interests, and can help them find their voice in the animal rights movement.
I joined the AAM team for a week of activism in Chicago in the summer of 2021.
It was an inspiring experience and I got to meet so many activists I had looked up to. Being able to do activism alongside them was an incredible honor!
VEGAN STORYTELLER
You went through personal transformation on your way to becoming comfortable as an Animal Rights activist. What was that about?
SHRIYA
For the longest time, I was passive in my approach and thought that was sufficient. However, to truly spark change, not only must we be the change, but we must also ACTIVELY create change.
Direct action is a powerful way to change systems, people’s minds, and attitudes. That’s why I’m involved in activism and mentoring other activists.
Shriya volunteering at The Gentle Barn, a farm animal sanctuary in Tennessee. She volunteers at the Gentle Barn’s Dittmer, Missouri, location every Sunday.
Bearing witness to animal abuse to raise awareness of their suffering
VEGAN STORYTELLER
It can’t be easy being an animal rights activist or mentor to other activists when you see first-hand the horrific suffering of animals.
SHRIYA
I bore witness for the first time not long ago, when I saw a truck full of pigs outside a slaughterhouse.
They were crammed together and barely able to move. I still remember hearing their screams and seeing the terror in their eyes.
I broke down and cried. My entire body reacted to their suffering before I even mentally comprehended what I was hearing.
VEGAN STORYTELLER
How does experiencing violence against animals spur you onward in your activism so that you don’t feel defeated by the abuse?
SHRIYA
In some strange way, the sense of powerlessness I felt at that moment is what fuels my fight for their liberation.
If every human being would open their hearts to feel this same level of sorrow for animals, then maybe the horrible abuses against them would end.
More people might help animals and go vegan if they saw first-hand what activists bear witness to.
Being vegan is a way of life rooted in being a moral, compassionate being. It is a lifestyle of abundance, not restriction. It is how we should all be living if we want to be kind and have an Earth to live on.
Being vegan is a way of life rooted in being a moral, compassionate being. It is a lifestyle of abundance, not restriction.
Tapping into the creative process to help animals live peacefully
VEGAN STORYTELLER
Most people think of activists as being radical or hard core aggressors. But there are many ways to help animals as a vegan or animal rights activist. I have written about the many ways vegans can conduct activist actions. Do you address these different ways when you mentor other activists?
SHRIYA
There are a multitude of ways to help animals. There is no one single approach that reigns supreme, and we need ALL hands on deck to achieve Animal Liberation.
Each one of us has talents and interests that are unique and can be utilized to help the animals.
For example, taking photos of sanctuary animals to raise awareness about factory farms, using your digital media expertise to document protests, and harnessing your culinary creativity to feed communities with delicious, nourishing plant-based foods are important pursuits.
Writing articles and pitching them for publication to raise awareness, playing music to raise funds to support animal rights organizations, creating art, or performing in plays with an animal rights message that makes people think about animal rights as a social justice issue are all beautiful forms of activism.
Empowered through activism
VEGAN STORYTELLER
What’s in your future as an activist fighting for Animal Liberation? What new forms of activism do you plan to engage in that you haven’t yet?
SHRIYA
I want to engage in more grassroots pressure campaigns. I love busting out my megaphone during street actions; it’s so empowering!
I envision traveling to more places to join forces with more activists who are organizing actions in their communities.
But I also love exploring vegan restaurants and writing about them to showcase in magazines, social media, and through my hospitality channels. Perhaps combining my vegan foodie ventures with hardcore protests would be a great balance.
Participating in street actions fulfills Shriya’s purpose as an Animal Rights activist fighting for Animal Liberation.
Advice for activists who want to help fight for Animal Liberation
VEGAN STORYTELLER
Many animal rights activists protest with the goal of ending animal suffering and bringing peace to animals. Do you have any words of advice for other vegans or animal rights advocates who want to get involved in helping animals but don’t know how to get started?
SHRIYA
I would say to find a local community of activists. If there is none, you could always start one!
I understand that can be overwhelming, but I feel that’s where the Animal Activism Mentorship program comes in. We are a growing, global network of warriors for the animals.
In fact, several of the activist mentors are in communities where animal rights is not widely acknowledged. I like to encourage folks to tap into their unique talents and creativity to see how they can best apply their innate qualities to help animals.
Activists in communities everywhere are finding ways to make their voices heard and connect with one another at the grassroots level to provide a support system to others and build community.
Working at the community level to help animals gives us purpose and connects us with others where we live so we feel a sense of belonging.
That’s how I feel about AAM and my growing activist family. They are my chosen family and there’s nothing quite like fighting the good fight with your best crew!
I want to engage in more grassroots pressure campaigns. I love busting out my megaphone during street actions; it’s so empowering!
Challenges of going vegan
VEGAN STORYTELLER
You were raised as a vegetarian and later became vegan. Adopting the vegan lifestyle presented challenges for you that have been hard to overcome. What would you say was, or has been, the greatest challenge for you as a vegan?
SHRIYA
My family and I stopped buying items that contained animal-derived materials like leather, wool, silk, and other animal materials.
I was also very diligent about products that aren’t tested on animals and didn’t contain animal-derived materials.
I felt like a hypocrite and knew that by consuming dairy and eggs, I wasn’t being true to myself and what I actually believed about how animals deserve to be treated.
When I went vegan, it was no longer what I “can or cannot” eat or buy, but what I “will or will not” eat or buy, simply because of the torture and the suffering that those products represent.
I suppose navigating those feelings in a current, non-vegan world is still an ongoing challenge.
Positive aspects of Shriya's vegan journey
VEGAN STORYTELLER
I understand the challenges you talk about. It’s not always easy to navigate a lifestyle that runs counter to the status quo. But along your vegan journey you have had some epiphanies that have impacted your life significantly. What is the favorite part of the journey you have traveled as a vegan and animal rights activist?
SHRIYA
I think my favorite part of it all is the fact that a sassy cat had this life-changing effect on me. My reason for being an activist and ethical vegan is because of my cat Ginger.
I have never eaten animal flesh because I was raised vegetarian. But I hadn’t made the connection between the horrors of the egg and dairy industries and gave into the “humane-washing” labels like “cage-free eggs” and “pasture-raised” dairy, etc.
One day when I saw the atrocious treatment of a dairy cow who was being callously objectified and viewed as a mere reproductive machine, I immediately pictured Ginger in that plight. I would NEVER want her to endure that kind of suffering.
Consuming dairy products and eggs from other beings was no longer ethically justifiable, especially given that I considered myself a supporter of Animal Rights.
Shriya cuddling with Ginger, the reason she went vegan.
VEGAN STORYTELLER
So, ultimately, was Ginger the reason you went vegan?
SHRIYA
In the end, thinking about Ginger in relationship to animals who are exploited for food played a huge role in transforming my thinking about what I ate and how I perceived animals.
My life as a vegan and Animal Rights activist unfolded because of my respect for Ginger. She was the turning point for me, the reason I began thinking about food in terms of ethics and animals in terms of justice.
Moving toward the end goal of Animal Liberation
VEGAN STORYTELLER
Shriya, I want to thank you for the time you have given Vegan Storyteller and for inspiring us with your story and sharing your thoughts on how we can all be a part of fighting for Animal Liberation through the food choices we make and the actions we take in our local community.
SHRIYA
You’re so welcome!
I’m inspired by the different creative ways that we can be active for the animals and am always happy to join forces with others who are also focused on veganism, working with communities to raise awareness about plant-based eating, ethical veganism, and most importantly, fighting for Animal Liberation.
There is a lot of momentum in the vegan movement and we are all in this noble fight TOGETHER for our fellow beings with whom we share this planet.
Let’s be united in our mission to make the world a better place for ALL!
There is a lot of momentum in the vegan movement and we are all in this noble fight TOGETHER for our fellow beings with whom we share this planet. Let’s be united in our mission to make the world a better place for ALL!
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Vegan Storyteller shares people’s personal journeys in the ON BEING VEGAN interview series to illuminate the world. Stories about vegans inspire and uplift us and help us realize that a vegan lifestyle benefits not just people, but animals and the environment as well. If you are a vegan thought leader or influencer with a vibrant web presence to impact others, I’d like to interview you. Please contact me if you would like to be interviewed for the ON BEING VEGAN interview series.
Vegan advocacy actions are an important part of growing the vegan movement. Most of us take direct action to further the vegan cause and help animals because we have a set of values that excite us and bring us together on common ground.
Vegan advocacy actions help grow the vegan movement.
