Sarahjeet Dosanjh - Plant Futurist Feature
In our "Plant Futurist Feature" series, we dive deep into the lives and aspirations of individuals who are at the forefront of envisioning a sustainable and ethical future for our food system. Today, we are thrilled to introduce Sarahjeet Dosanjh, a passionate advocate for plant-based living and a visionary in the field of public health. With her unwavering commitment to creating a positive impact on both community and planet, Sarahjeet's journey is an inspiration to all aspiring plant futurists.
What led you to want to become a part of Plant Futures?
I've been working within the plant-based space for nearly 3-4 years now, but I have always struggled to envision how my passion for a sustainable, nutritious, and ethical food system would manifest in my career, specifically in public health. When I heard of Plant Futures, I was excited by the opportunity to hear from a variety of professionals that found their own pathway within this sector. As someone keen about intersectionality, Plant Futures felt like the perfect fit for my plant-forward passions.
What does being a Plant Futurist mean to you?
To me, being a plant futurist means to envision a future where our current food system is dismantled and rebuilt in a way that reflects the needs of the community and planet.
What are you most excited about for this year with Plant Futures?
I am most excited to bring Plant Futures onto our very own campus! I know of several students who carry their passions for animal advocacy near their heart, but see it as something impractical or unattainable in their future. I strive to make these pathways more accessible for our student body by bringing exciting opportunities and networking events to UCLA.
What does the future food system of your dreams look like?
Ideally, the future food system of my dreams would be one that incentivizes whole foods, both at an economic and political level. In this system, our community is taught how to eat consciously, not only for themselves, but for the planet and the people. Animal agriculture would be largely downscaled and dietary guidelines will shift to reflect the importance of other proteins, such as beans, nuts, lentils, and other legumes.
What is your favorite plant-based food or meal?
My favorite plant-based food is anything with seitan! It is such a versatile protein that can hold so much flavor and texture, thus making it one of my favorite alternative proteins.
