A major highlight of Twin Cities Veg Fest is the amazing lineup of speakers who take the stage and inspire us with their insights. It takes a lot of dedication, organization and communication to bring great speakers to our event. We’re grateful for volunteer Lisa Goddard for taking the reins this year as Speaker Coordinator.

What inspired you to get involved with Twin Cities Veg Fest?

My husband had been very active with CAA and Twin Cities Veg Fest for the two or three years prior to 2020. He wasn’t able to be involved this year, and I thought I would try to help out in his absence because he always talked so highly of his time with the group.

What are you most looking forward to about Twin Cities Veg Fest?

Unfortunately, I won’t be able to attend the festival this year because I’ll be out of town at a memorial service for my aunt that passed away in June. I am really bummed that I won’t be able to hear Sterling Davis (The Trap King) talk about his journey to helping feral cats in his community and to becoming a vegan. I was also looking forward to meeting Carnage The Executioner and hearing his story of becoming a plant-based poet and beat-boxer. Finally, I have several close family members that are living with Type I diabetes, so Lauren Plunkett’s talk about how chronic disease can be improved with plant-based nutrition is very interesting to me.

What advice do you have for people who are thinking about volunteering for Twin Cities Veg Fest? 

The planning committee is very nice and knowledgeable. As a new volunteer, you don’t need to know everything — or maybe even not much at all — about your role. There are so many people that can provide tips or advice. All you have to be is willing and committed.