We had the good fortune of connecting with Maia Wilenius and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Maia, how does your business help the community?
The Veggie Cats mission has three main components, all dedicated to improving the wellbeing of animals, the planet, and ourselves. Firstly, we seek to educate others on veganism, why it is important, and how to live easily and happily without contributing to animal abuse. Secondly, we seek to effect change in the university and community in order to make the area a more ethical, sustainable, and vegan-friendly place to live. And finally, we seek to build a supportive community of vegans, vegetarians, and the veg-curious.

The current state of our world normalizes cruelty to animals in a plethora of forms, underrepresents the negative impacts of animal agriculture on the environment, and is filled with myths surrounding a plant-based diet. Veggie Cats pushes to change these attitudes and provides a safe haven and resource for those who support the vegan cause.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Veggie Cats is the University of Arizona club for vegans, vegetarians, and the veg-curious. We were founded by a group of vegan friends who randomly decided they wanted to form a little club, and we’ve now grown into a much larger group involved in activism, “vegucation,” and community-building. I joined the club in Fall 2019 when it had gone mostly dormant, and together with my roommate Kailee and the club president at the time Danielle, we revitalized the club and I eventually became president in Fall 2020. It was definitely a challenge to keep up with meetings and events during the pandemic and to encourage attendance when everything had to be virtual, but we used the opportunity to ramp up our website and social media, and we’ve returned stronger than ever. Being part of Veggie Cats has taught me a lot about leadership, communicating with others, and following through on my goals.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
There are so many different places to choose from, but no trip to Tucson is complete without a hike on Mt. Lemmon! To relax afterwards, my favorite restaurant is Govinda’s, though other Veggie Cats members also love Tumerico, Lovin’ Spoonfuls, and many other local vegan restaurants.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to shout out the rest of the Veggie Cats club members, officers, and collaborators, especially Lenny, Akash, Elaine, and Chu. And of course Danielle, for starting the club in the first place, and for helping me to transition into my current leadership role. Veggie Cats wouldn’t be able to make the impact we do without the support of many people working together.

I’d also like to shout out my sources of vegan inspiration. Just to list a few: My camp counselor Leah from years ago who first encouraged me towards veganism, Anne from Conversations with a Friendly Vegan who inspired the Veggie Cats monthly Ask-a-Vegan tables, the filmers of the Earthlings documentary for bringing to light what happens behind slaughterhouse walls, and everyone I’ve ever talked to who has decided to make more animal-friendly choices.

Website: uaveggiecats.com

Instagram: @uaveggiecats

LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/uaveggiecats

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutArizona is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.