Fleur Dawes

I grew up around animals. My aunt lived next to a field of dairy cows and I just loved them. I fed them grass over the fence and was entranced by their huge, rough tongues as they grabbed the grass and occasionally tried to eat my hair. One day, my aunt let me know one of them was giving birth! I jumped the fence and skipped through the field. I witnessed the incredible moment a new baby joined the world. Soon after, the farmer came. The baby had barely even stood up for the first time, but was swiftly marched towards the farm, his mom jogging close beside. "Unfortunately this one's a boy," said the farmer. "Why unfortunately?" I replied. I don't remember his response, but years later, the grim truth finally sunk in. Cheese and dairy, which I'd loved, had to go -- I couldn't be a part of it any longer. Today, I am blessed to work with incredible colleagues like the team at Animal Defense Partnership to build a world where cows and all animals can live happy and free.