Emily Billingsley
President (she/her)
I became vegetarian in 2022. Later, I started doing more research on veganism and stumbled upon a lot of vegan activists on youtube. Their arguments were very convincing but I decided to fully do the switch in December of that year after watching Earthlings.
I joined VSA in 2022 because I wanted to meet like-minded people that would help it make the transition to a vegan lifestyle easier.
I was the secretary for VSA last year and I loved it. I felt so much more connected to the association and it was very fulfilling to see the work pay off, which is why this year I decided that I wanted to be on the board again as president.
Being part of the VSA community means a lot to me, and I’m excited to stay involved. Looking forward to meeting everyone at our next events and sharing more great experiences together!
Ben Csáki
Vice-president, head of Content Committee (he/him)
I have been mostly vegetarian my whole life because I HATED the texture of meat. I’ve been vegan now for more than three years, after I watched some very convincing documentaries such as Cowspiracy and What the Health?.
I joined VSA in 2022 because I had just moved to the Netherlands and wanted some inspiration on what to cook and what ingredients to buy. I then joined the Content Committee because I wanted to try out my design skills and educate people at the same time.
I have been part of the Content Committee for so long it was kind of inevitable that I became head of it one day. It’s just an extra bonus that it also comes with being vice president. But being a board member is also very fulfilling, it’s nice to feel like I have a specific purpose related to my greatest passions.
VSA has given me so much joy over the years (I even met my partner here!), that I feel like it’s time to give back to this amazing community. I am looking forward to meeting all of you new members and making your year with us worthwhile.
Britt de Jong
Secretary (she/her)
I went vegan in the summer of 2021, thanks to my older sister’s influence. I took it quite slowly, going pescatarian first, then vegetarian, then finally vegan.
I joined the VSA early 2022 because I was looking for a community of like-minded people who shared my worldview so I didn’t have to explain myself all the time. I was also really intrigued by the posts, they taught me all kinds of new knowledge about veganism that I didn’t know yet.
I wanted to become a board member because lately I wasn’t really actively doing anything related to veganism and sustainability, which made me feel very unfulfilled. I really missed being more involved in a vegan community.
It’s been so nice to be a part of such a wonderful community these last few years. I’ve met some truly wonderful people, including my partner. I am really looking forward to meeting even more like-minded people this year.
Eve Armanaviciute
Treasurer (she/her)
I became vegetarian first and after a year I stumbled upon Earthlings. I cried so hard watching that documentary, I think it changed me permanently. I became vegan overnight after that, and have been choosing this path for almost a decade since.
I joined the VSA as a friend of the association in 2023. I was very intrigued by the possibility of meeting like-minded people and expanding my vegan social circle!
Since starting my studies this year I was able to become a part of VSA’s board, which is very exciting. I am looking forward to being a part of an association that aligns with my worldview and working together towards shared goals.
I am confident that being a part of VSA will give everyone incredible memories that will last for a long time. I intend to capture many of these memories as pictures and videos to showcase our events, activities, and delicious food! I hope that I can help create a space for new members to connect and build friendships in the community!
