We were lucky to catch up with Destiny DeJesus recently and have shared our conversation below.
Destiny, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
To this day, I’m not sure if I’ve pinpointed my life purpose, but I’ve found aspects of my life that bring me joy and satisfaction. One of these is creating spaces for people to connect and socialize. I’ve discovered a passion for fostering communities, particularly in the world of plant-based living and health.
The realization hit me when I started hosting events exclusively for BIPOC vegans and those curious about plant-based lifestyles. The process of bringing like-minded individuals together and providing a space for meaningful conversations and connections is very fulfilling. Through these events, I’ve found joy in teaching and sharing insights about plant-based living.
So, while I may not have a crystal-clear purpose, I’ve found fulfillment in activities that resonate with me deeply. For now, I’m happy with continuing to explore these passions and creating spaces where people can connect, learn, and thrive.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I was born and raised in The Bronx, NY, and currently reside in Texas. My relocation at the age of 23 shifted the way I think about food. After indulging in all the Texas BBQ, I quickly realized that there is a link between dietary choices and overall health. Transitioning from a diet rich in dairy and meat, I experienced firsthand the transformative effects of adopting a plant-based lifestyle.
While living in Texas, I realized that there weren’t many inclusive spaces, particularly for BIPOC individuals interested in a vegan lifestyle. As a result, I started organizing monthly events via Veggie Mijas and fostering environments for collective engagement, story-sharing, and mutual support.
Fast forward to 2023, and I’m thrilled to announce that my project —Texas Eats Green has received funding to launch! This initiative is geared towards reshaping the culinary landscape in Texas. Our primary objective is to enhance access to plant-based options, particularly within communities of color, where securing fresh and wholesome food remains a challenge.
Texas Eats Green represents a commitment to addressing food justice issues and promoting healthier choices. This program marks a deliberate step towards fostering positive change in our communities.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
I think being authentic and genuine is the key to success. For a long time, I would code-switch to appear more professional and I wasn’t myself. It wasn’t until I moved to Texas that I truly found my voice and was unapologetic about my personality and people loved it.
For those embarking on their journey, my advice is simple: authenticity is your greatest asset. Don’t shy away from showcasing your genuine self, as it not only fosters a deeper connection with others but also amplifies your impact. Embrace your unique qualities, be unapologetic about your personality, and watch how authenticity can drive you towards success.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
Absolutely, I am actively seeking collaboration, particularly for the Texas Eats Green project. My focus is on partnering with community organizers of color in the major cities of Dallas, Austin, Houston, and San Antonio. The aim is to facilitate meetings between these organizers and local restaurant owners, equipping them with our resources to help integrate plant-based options into their menus.
Additionally, I’m looking to collaborate with content creators of color in these cities to help amplify the promotion of these restaurants and their new plant-based menu items. If you or anyone you know is interested in contributing to this project, please don’t hesitate to reach out at eatyodestiny@gmail.com. Your support and connections are invaluable in making Texas Eats Green a success.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.eatyodestiny.com
- Instagram: eatyodestiny
- Youtube: eatyodestiny
Image Credits
This is an image I took at a plant-based food meditation event I hosted for BIPOC in Dallas.
