Introducing Brialle Ringer. Encompass’ new caucus and social media manager

By Brialle Ringer | September 7, 2021

Can you tell us a little about your story? How did you come to this work? How do you identify?

As an only child, I found companionship with animals growing up. I was the first in my family to go vegetarian at age 10 when I made the connection that meat came from animals, which my parents say was inspired by Lisa Simpson from The Simpsons. I later transitioned to vegan around age 22 after documentaries like What the Health and Cowspiracy opened my eyes to the impact that animal agriculture, including dairy, was having on the environment, our health, and animal suffering. 

When my grandfather had type 2 diabetes and eventually passed away from a heart attack shortly after, I declared, "The cycle of illness and death from preventable disease in my lineage ends with me." That’s when I pursued a certification in Plant Based Nutrition and began hosting programs to support others on their vegan journey. 

My identities are vast and ever evolving, but I’ll share a few that stand out as key. I identify as a biracial Black woman with a joyful and free white family on my mother’s side, and a loving, passionate Black family on my father’s side. I am queer, meaning my capacity for love isn’t bound by gender. I’m a vegan, healer, dancer, and mindfulness coach that is committed to liberation for all. Who I am is the embodiment of love, peace, transformation, magic, and miracles.

What do you do outside of work?

I’m a big believer in the importance of rest, joy, and play to keep my cup overflowing so that I can show up to this work as my highest self. Outside of work, I love spending time in nature, especially by the beach. I grew up on Lake Superior in Michigan and now spend my summers there swimming, camping, hiking, and exploring new trails. Daily mindfulness practices are also a big part of my life – whether it be yoga, dancing, breathwork, or meditation – these modalities keep me centered.

Why did you decide to apply for the position at Encompass?

I applied for this position after experiencing the wonderful work Encompass does as a participant in the Executive Development Program this past spring. I was really inspired by the big challenges Encompass is tackling and inviting us in to inquire about, including how white supremacy culture shows up in our work, models of community centric fundraising grounded in equity, and growing connections and opportunities for people of the global majority within the animal protection movement. As I read through the application, there was deep alignment and resonance with the work I’m committed to. 

My previous work within racial equity was on the individual level, supporting folks having conversations about race in their communities. Those conversations have been heartfelt and impactful, but there was a pull for me to make change at the institutional and systemic level. So the opportunity to support Encompass in creating a culture of racial equity really lit me up with excitement.

Do you have any personal experience with racial inequity?

Growing up biracial, mostly raised by my mom and the white side of the family, we didn’t have many conversations about race growing up. Being in predominantly white spaces, a few memories of racism come to mind. Being 12-years-old hanging out with friends and a boy a few years older than me saying that they were going to “hang the n***** from the flagpole” (referring to me). It created a deep rift between me and my friends at the time and is my earliest memory of overt individual racism. 

My senior year of high school, I got into an altercation at school that led to me not only being suspended, but receiving criminal charges. It impacted my college education, resulting in my admissions to the University of Michigan being revoked. It was my first time ever being in trouble in school as a straight A honors student. I remembered feeling really confused, wondering why I was receiving criminal charges when I had seen people get into countless fights that never led to the punishment I was experiencing. I didn’t realize it was a trend happening all over the country of Black students being criminalized more harshly in schools, fueling the school-to-prison pipeline. It was a major eye-opener for me about the reality of systemic racism and inspired my own racial awakening and commitment to racial equity.

Why do you care about racial equity specifically in the animal protection movement?

A guiding mission in my life is to support the highest good of all beings on the planet. In order to embody that, I feel it’s crucial to center and uplift those most impacted by oppressive systems. Black, Indigenous and people of the global majority (BIPGM) have faced, and will continue to face, the most detrimental impacts from animal agriculture. I know that BIPGM have a unique perspective within the animal protection movement and uplifting our voices will help us achieve the goals of this movement faster and more effectively. 

Beyond that, it’s truly been such a joy to connect with other BIPGM in this movement through Encompass. Before the Executive Development Program, my work felt like it existed in its own bubble separate from the movement. Once I got to meet so many other amazing people of the global majority through the program and Talent Database, I really feel a part of something bigger than myself and am so grateful for the meaningful relationships that we’re developing. 

The connections I’ve made have blossomed into collaborations, hiring and uplifting one another, and having a community to lean on for support who understand my experience.

What are your hopes and aspirations for this work?

My commitment is that all feel welcomed and heard within this movement. I pray that we all show up to this work with our full selves, and as our highest selves, deeply caring for our individual and communal well-being to support the sustainability of this work. I envision a connected community embodying values of racial justice and collective liberation aligned with the highest good of all beings on the planet.

Brialle Ringer is the caucus and social media manager at Encompass, the Founder of Be Well with Brialle, and The Black Women’s Healing Haven. Brialle has a Bachelor of Social Work from the Honors College at Eastern Michigan University. She is based in Calumet, Michigan, and travels often.