Katie (she/her/hers) joined the VegMichigan team in 2023. As a program manager, she organizes various events including presentations, tablings, food samplings, Meetups, and more. Katie is also responsible for coordinating the volunteer program, helping to administer VegMichigan’s 30-Day Pledge, and providing free plant-based support to anyone looking for more resources.

Previously Katie worked in companion animal welfare for 10 years managing adoption, intake, and volunteer programs for animal shelters including Michigan Humane, Humane Society of Huron Valley, and Friends for Animals of Metro Detroit.

She holds a B.A. in English Literature from Loyola University Chicago and an M.S. in Humane Leadership from Humane Society University.

A lifelong animal lover, Katie serves as an animal rescue volunteer with Humane World for Animals. She can often be found walking in a Metropark with her husband and their dogs, checking out a new plant-based foodie spot, or having long conversations with her adorable diva cat.

Kim (she/her/hers) joined VegMichigan in 2023, currently serving as a Program Manager, responsible for outreach efforts by providing presentations, coordinating the 30-Day Plant-Based Pledge Program, arranging plant-based tastings, hosting Meetups, and building connections at tabling events. She supports the City of Ann Arbor collaboration through community education programs, and working with food service businesses and organizations in adopting plant-forward practices. Additionally, she is a member of the VegMichigan Antiracist Committee, and assists with social media and administrative tasks.

Previously, Kim worked as the Senior Program Director at H.E.A.R.T., an adjunct professor at the University of Denver, the Community Humane Initiatives Coordinator at Michigan Humane, and a Workshop Facilitator for the Institute for Humane Education (IHE). Kim volunteered for VegMichigan for several years before being hired, along with numerous plant-based advocacy and animal protection organizations, and serving on the Executive Board of the Humane Education Coalition. She also completed the Social Justice and Our Food System Community Learning program offered by Farm Sanctuary, and internships at Farm Sanctuary and the Vermont Youth Conservation Corps.  

Kim holds an M.Ed. from Cambridge College in affiliation with the IHE and a Certificate in Humane Education. She received her B.A. from Goddard College, in affiliation with Green Mountain College, after completing her senior study on Confined Animal Feeding Operations, and earning the James M. Pollock Award for Exceptional Service and Dedication.

Kim enjoys spending time with her cat companion and with friends and family. She enjoys playing cards and board games, attending community events, and hiking trails.

Noelle (she/her/hers) joined VegMichigan in 2018 and currently serves as the Operations Manager. She is responsible for overseeing the membership program, editing and contributing to the monthly newsletter, and performing general administrative and accounting duties. Noelle also serves as the vendor coordinator for VegFest and assists with fundraising, grant writing, and project management.

Before joining VegMichigan, Noelle spent 15 years working in public policy and corporate affairs in both environmental and animal rights advocacy. She has worked with food and apparel brands to implement policies that benefit animals and in regulatory compliance as a state environmental inspector and with various environmental NGOs. Noelle holds a B.S. in Environmental Policy and Political Science and an M.S. in Community Sustainability from Michigan State University.

A longtime volunteer with animal shelters and rescues in Metro Detroit and Lansing, Noelle enjoys caring for cats in her community, exploring Detroit’s cultural and historical gems, and spending time in her native pollinator garden, preferably with a book.

Paul (he/him/his) joined VegMichigan in 2005 and currently serves as Vice President/Treasurer, Board Member and Financial Contributor. He has worked for the organization in different capacities throughout the 20-year span including President.

He has been active with VegMichigan as a presiding officer, and  has been involved in coordination of events, lecture presentations, managing volunteers, administration of membership, treasurer duties and the conducting of major affairs such as VegFest.

Paul acquired a B.S. in Pharmacy. He owned The Medicine Cabinet Pharmacy in Southfield Michigan for 30 years. During that period, he began to realize that his patients seemed to depend too much on taking various medications instead of transitioning to a better eating lifestyle. This is when he initiated the encouragement of a plant-based way of living.

Paul is currently a precinct delegate in his community, enjoys volunteering in several activities, and participates in sports, traveling, reading, gardening and social occasions.

Valerie (she/her/hers) joined VegMichigan’s board in 2023. She is the Board Secretary, an active volunteer and the leader of the Traverse City VegMichigan Chapter. She is also a founding member of Michiganders for a Just Farming System which is a grassroots coalition working to end factory farming in Michigan and beyond. 

Valerie has an impressive blend of public and private sector experience. 

She has been instrumental in helping VegMichigan grow its footprint in the state by establishing and managing the Traverse City Chapter. Her work includes collaborating with multiple organizations to host impactful events like the 2024 Traverse City Earth Day screening of “The Smell of Money.” 

Previously, Valerie founded CARE of South Bend, where she helped to secure funding for a new municipal animal shelter. She also organized and led successful marketing campaigns to increase pet adoptions as well as spay/neuter initiatives. 

Her leadership extended to serving on the South Bend Common Council, where she advocated for transparency and accountability in government. 

With a strong background in sales and marketing at GlaxoSmithKline and IBM, Valerie consistently achieved and exceeded sales goals. 

Holding a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Illinois, she is committed to promoting plant-based diets for the betterment of people, animals and the planet.

I am a 39-year-old graduate of Michigan State University. Married and living in Troy, MI. I work as a General Manager of Quality Design Services, Inc. As a hobby, I like playing golf and DIY art projects. I have been vegetarian my whole life and LOVE plant-based foods!

Angela Yuan is a passionate animal rights and environmental advocate and has been vegan since 2016. She has been in the VegMI community for years and joined the Board in 2024. Angela volunteers at events, helps with public education, and is on the Michiganders for a Just Farming System Steering Committee. 

Angela has experience working in the environmental policy and management field at all levels, from grassroots to international. Currently, she is working with the United Nations Institute for Teaching and Research on an international governance and sustainable supply chain course. Angela has worked on the Flint Water Crisis and PFAS lawsuits, at the US Forest Service, on a US Environmental Protection Agency award-winning watershed plan, and spearheaded a clean water project in rural Kenya. Most recently, for three years, Angela was the Project Manager and DEI Lead at the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators, where she worked with bipartisan state legislators nationwide on water, sustainable agriculture, soil, and environmental justice policy solutions. During her free time, she also volunteers on the World Resource Institute Advisory Committee and the State of Michigan PFASs Action Response Team Advisory Committee. 

Currently, Angela is a Schwarzman Scholar, a prestigious global leadership program, and Dow Fellow pursuing a Master’s of Management in Global Affairs at Tsinghua University. At Schwarzman College, she is working with Walmart on a sustainability consultancy, conducting ESG research with the largest independent wealth management company in China, and planning a sustainable finance conference for 200 students with global private and public sector leaders. She is also on the College Food Committee, advocating for more sustainable and vegan-friendly options. Previously, she graduated from Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies and Sustainability summa cum laude. 

During her free time, Angela loves to travel, paint, hula hoop, and cook vegan food!