Brialle Ringer joins the Encompass team as the caucus and social media manager. 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.

If we plan to make strides towards dismantling speciesism, we must care about our fellow humans as we work to fight for non-human animals. It is not sufficient for white, middle/upper class people to feel comfortable in the movement while everyone else feels like they don’t belong in this cause. We must be able to encompass the whole of humanity in order to create change that is lasting.

Activists are special. They choose to work in service of others, at a time when most people choose to work in service of self. Encompass supports activists and activist organizations, helping them create the conditions that will allow them to focus on their work, reach their goals, and thrive.

We interviewed Berto Calkins influencer at the Tatted Vegan and board member of Woodstock Farm Sanctuary to better understand his approach to animal advocacy and why Woodstock has upgraded its mission to live by the principle that inclusivity strengthens an organization.

The “Role Model Effect” shows that when people of color, women, or other under-supported groups are in leadership positions, it inspires others who look similar or who have had similar experiences to aspire to that same level. One of my personal role models is Miyoko Schinner, a strong and powerful woman of color who is the founder and CEO of one of my favorite vegan companies, Miyoko’s Kitchen.