Meet Our Awesome Team

Gwenna Hunter

Founder/Executive Director

Gwenna Hunter, founder of Vegans of Los Angeles and creator of the first Vegan Food Bank in the city, made history in May 2022 with starting the first vegan food bank in Los Angeles, California and also as the first Black woman to establish a brick-and-mortar Vegan food bank in the country. Her journey into veganism was sparked by a supernatural awakening, a dream where she shared consciousness with a cow, realizing the depth of their emotions and awareness as with all animals. Since adopting a vegan lifestyle in February 2016, Gwenna has been a dedicated activist, working to reshape beliefs around animal treatment and food choices. Through the Vegans of Los Angeles Food Bank, she aims to provide not just food abundance as a birth right but also hope, light, and dignity to our communities, partnering with Hope on Union to increase food security.

Avaion Ruth

Global Food Security Program Director

Avaion Ruth is a graduate student and research assistant at the University of Southern California passionate about the interdependence of food security, nutrition, and human development. He has experience working on various food justice projects across Los Angeles, including the Vegan Outreach COVID-19 Emergency Food Aid Program and the VegansofLA Food Bank. Avaion holds a B.S. in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention studies. In his free time, he enjoys traveling, hiking, and yoga.

Paige Parsons Roache

Communications Director

Paige is a social justice advocate promoting eco-veganism for 8 years. After her daughter went vegan at 13, Paige watched “Cowspiracy” and became vegan for the environment. She attended a pig vigil, solidifying her commitment to animal rights. For six years, she worked with UnchainedTV and co-hosts “Plant Based in the ‘Burbs,” showcasing plant-based recipes. With over 25 years in communications, she has worked with non-profits to promote their projects. For the past year and a half, Paige has contributed to the Vegans of Los Angeles food bank, supporting media launches and foundational work for food banks.

Ivonne Arroyave

Animal Rights Advocate

Ivonne Arroyave advocates for animal rights and Earth stewardship. She emphasizes that all oppression is interconnected; true liberation cannot exist for one without the other. Her choices impact the future of humanity. As an anti-speciesist activist, Ivonne participates in conferences, workshops, and protests, and leads vigils at slaughterhouses in Colombia. She promotes dialogue on ethical consumption and sustainable practices, focusing on food insecurity and marginalized communities. A native of Colombia, Ivonne has lived in Los Angeles for 30 years and has been vegan for nearly 9 years. Her connection to animals enriches her life.

Sherri Johnson

Volunteer Hostess with the Mostest

With over 15 years in the fitness industry, Sherri is passionate about promoting health and wellness. A certified plant-based nutritionist with a BS in Business Management, her journey into veganism began 10 years ago during a church fast—and she never looked back. Having experienced food insecurity growing up, she is committed to making healthy, sustainable choices and helping others lead healthier, more fulfilling lives through proper nutrition and fitness. She co-hosts Plant-Based in the Burbz, a cooking show on Unchained TV’s global streaming platform, where she showcases delicious plant-based recipes to inspire healthier eating habits.