Spotlight on Hispanic Heritage: Meet the Changemakers Shaping a Vegan Future

National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 to October 15) celebrates the rich histories, vibrant cultures, and significant contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans, and TeachKind is proudly recognizing and honoring those who champion causes that make the world a kinder place for all. By promoting respect for animals and the planet, these changemakers are helping to inspire students to have empathy for all animals. It’s important to celebrate the people who are driving positive cultural transformation, helping to create a more compassionate and sustainable future.

Addy Rivera Sonda

Addy, the talented illustrator of Junebug: No Life Too Small, who hails from Mexico, is passionate about using her art to help build kinder and more interdependent communities. Through her colorful and engaging illustrations, Addy is influencing a new generation of kind kids to grow into compassionate adults. Her work not only brings stories to life but also teaches young readers the importance of demonstrating kindness and respect for all sentient beings. Her inclusive illustrations feature kids of color and children in wheelchairs, allowing young people who are underrepresented in books to see themselves in her art. By creating art that resonates with children, Addy is helping to shape a future in which empathy and ethical living will be central values.

Johnny Mora

Johnny was born and raised in Southern California. His Costa Rican immigrant parents maintained all cultural traditions in his upbringing, including dripped volcanic-grown coffee, Gallo Pinto (a traditional dish of rice and beans) with plantains, and the “pura vida” lifestyle, which focuses on leading a pure life of “no worries.” His parents took him to Costa Rica to develop strong connections with his huge family living there, which he maintains to this day.

Johnny went vegan in 2017 after watching the documentary What the Health and then stumbling upon slaughterhouse footage. By the following weekend, he was attending his first animal rights advocacy event on the beach, and he never looked back. Since then, he has participated in many events and created alliances with other animal rights advocates around the world. He has even organized events for many animal rights groups, including PETA. His most notable actions include taking part in a “Grim Reaper” fur protest on Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles (his first PETA event), wearing a turkey costume for a PETA “ThanksVegan” weekend, participating in a betta fish protest for his “little friends who are sold in a cup,” and rushing the field of a COPA América soccer game to protest bullfighting! He’s a wonderful role model for animal defenders of all ages.

Maria Daal

Maria was born and raised in Venezuela and now teaches fourth-grade in Durham, North Carolina. She enjoys teaching her students about kindness to animals and how we can take care of the planet by respecting nature. This spring, Ellie the robotic elephant visited her students, providing a memorable opportunity for them to learn about empathy for all.

Maria says, “I’m proud to be Latina and my cultural heritage. My favorite Venezuelan foods are arepas, and they are made from a simple mixture of cornmeal, water, and salt, which makes them the perfect vegan meal. Arepas are a versatile food that can be prepared in many ways and eaten at any time of the day. I really like them filled with plantains, black beans, and plant-based cheese. I also like to make my own version of Reina Pepiada, a filling made with plant-based chicken, mayonnaise, avocado, and cilantro. It’s so good!”

Maru Vigo

Maru has been a dedicated animal rights activist since the 1980s, proving that you don’t need to be a celebrity to make a significant impact for animals. Born and raised in Lima, Peru, Maru first learned about PETA in 1985 while working with a local animal welfare group. Over the following decades, with support from PETA and a team of activists from both the U.S. and Peru, she organized spay/neuter campaigns in Zamora, Mexico, and in an economically disadvantaged area outside Lima, addressing the overpopulation crisis and saving countless animal lives. As a teacher, Maru also collaborates closely with TeachKind, PETA’s humane education division, to ensure her high school students understand the importance of treating animals with kindness. She even created a classroom activity in Spanish based on the acclaimed actor Joaquin Phoenix, a prominent vegan animal rights advocate. Whether in Peru or the U.S., Maru’s commitment to animal welfare is unwavering.

Fun food fact! Did you know that in Peru, ceviche is celebrated as a national dish and is a vital part of the country’s cultural heritage? This iconic dish, which is also widely popular in other Latin American countries, including Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Mexico, and Panama, is traditionally made with fish marinated in citrus juices but can easily be made vegan by simply substituting the fish with hearts of palm, mushrooms, or tofu. This swap allows everyone to enjoy the beloved flavors of Peruvian ceviche while embracing a compassionate, sustainable lifestyle.

These individuals are leading the charge in promoting a compassionate and sustainable lifestyle within the Hispanic community. By advocating for animal rights and embracing a vegan lifestyle, they inspire others to make ethical choices. Share their stories with your students in celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month to inspire them, too! Through their dedication and innovative approaches, they’re paving the way for a more compassionate and environmentally conscious future.

Compassion for animals knows no boundaries and isn’t limited to specific individuals. Check out this country, which is making history for animal welfare by sending the message that cruelty to animals shouldn’t be part of a nation’s culture:

Colombia recently made a significant move by voting to ban bullfighting, a centuries-old tradition in the country. The ban, which will fully take effect by 2027, is a result of persistent efforts by animal rights activists who have long argued that the practice is cruel and outdated. This decision marks a major victory for animal welfare and sets a powerful example for other Latin American countries to follow. By prioritizing compassion over tradition, Colombia is demonstrating that cultural practices should evolve to reflect modern values and ethical standards. This shift reflects the belief that culture shouldn’t involve cruelty to animals, and it encourages other nations to reconsider and reform practices that harm animals. By celebrating this progress, we can help bring about a future in which empathy and respect for all sentient beings are essential cultural values.

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