Alan Wong
President
Alan became vegan in 2021 after seeing some documentaries about the food system, and how it affects animals, the environment, and human health. Having worked in public transit operations for the past 10 years, Alan recently changed careers and now does research for an animal protection non-profit. As President of the VegOttawa board, he is excited to see the organization and community grow.
You can reach Alan at alan@vegottawa.org
Linda McMahon
Membership Director
Linda became a vegan in 2016, after she discovered the health issues from which she suffered could be resolved with a plant-based diet (they were!). Her sister, a vegan for over 20 years, gifted Linda with a copy of The China Study, and she never looked back!
Linda has volunteerism in her blood. For over 30 years she has served a number of nonprofits, including two stints as president of community associations in Ottawa and on the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia. Linda has experience in fundraising, sponsorship, membership, communications and event planning. She is energetic, highly motivated, and loves working with people. Linda is looking forward to supporting an organization that promotes a vegan lifestyle.
You can reach Linda at linda@vegottawa.org
Sandrine Gagné
Event Coordinator
(she/her)
Sandrine grew up on a dairy farm in the Chaudière-Appalaches region of Québec. As a child, she questioned the ethics of animal agriculture, but it was only after reading The Sexual Politics of Meat by author and activist Carol J. Adams that she began exploring plant-based living and the connections between animal advocacy and broader social justice issues.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in criminology and is pursuing a master’s degree in criminology and feminist studies at the University of Ottawa. Passionate about social justice and victim advocacy, she joined VegOttawa to promote an intersectional approach to veganism and animal welfare.
Through her work with VegOttawa, she hopes to encourage thoughtful conversations about how compassion for animals can be connected to broader struggles for justice and equality.
You can reach Sandrine at sandrine@vegottawa.org
Sarah M
Outreach and Advocacy Director
Sarah grew up in France and became a vegetarian at age 12 driven by her compassion for animals. At that time, the internet was still in its early days and she was initially unaware of the implications of the dairy industry. A few years later, she educated herself and became vegan. This led her to advocate for animal rights.
In Canada, she was a board member and activist with Regard Animal, a Montreal nonprofit that used art to advocate for animals. In 2025, she moved to Ottawa and quickly began volunteering with VegOttawa.
She has extensive experience in the nonprofit and academic sectors, having served on various boards and having worked in different positions, including executive director. Her background helps her consider the intersection of inequities for all animals, which drives her advocacy work.She is passionate about VegOttawa’s mission and the positive shifts toward veganism in her new city. She continues to learn daily about what animals need and want and she’s glad to be part of a dedicated organization.
You can reach Sarah at sarah.m@vegottawa.org
We are looking for board members to join us! If you’re interested, you can apply via this form or send us an email at info@vegottawa.org.
VegOttawa Association 