Taina Asili

I became vegetarian at the young age of 10, surprising my Puerto Rican family with a choice met with love and support. As the years passed, their encouragement remained when I became vegan at 19. My grandmother was an inventive ally in crafting vegan versions of our favorite traditional foods. In my 20s, the loss of these beloved family members to chronic illnesses birthed my determination to break the cycle of generational health challenges.

A pivotal moment occurred during a "Food Is Medicine" class at Temple University’s Pan African Community Education Program, led by plant based food educator Beverly Medley. This broadened my understanding of the healing power of food. Serving as both a founding board member and chair of the food justice institute, Soul Fire Farm, has further deepened my dedication to tackling health and food system inequities. 

Raising two children alongside my partner over the past twenty years, my passion for nutrition and whole plant foods has flourished. In 2022, I enrolled in T. Colin Campbell’s Plant-Based Nutrition course and Nicolette Richer’s Decolonize Your Plate course. Excited to share my passion for plant-based nutrition with my community, in 2023, I became a licensed Food for Life Instructor. This knowledge has helped transform our family’s health, setting the stage for generations to come. I am thrilled to share the vibrant life of plant-based living with the world!