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Meet Keya, VeganKween: Philly's Go-To Guide for Vegan Food and Events

During a stop in Philadelphia, Sean A. Russell caught up with Keya, known online as VeganKween, a Happy Cow ambassador and content creator who has become an unofficial concierge for Philadelphia's vegan scene.

Wearing every hat

Keya describes herself as an educator, an influencer, and a walking ambassador for veganism in Philadelphia, taking on brand partnerships, restaurant features, and one on one messages from travelers asking where to eat before they even land in the city. Vegan for eight years, she does not mind being put on the spot to name favorites: Nourish, The Now and All The Way Live, the Cheesy Vegan, and Flat Belly Veg all get a shoutout.

Building the directory before the visit

Russell and Keya discussed the broader Vegans Explore mission of building city by city directories of restaurants, events, and nonprofits before a tour stop happens, so a local community already knows what is available rather than discovering it after the fact. Keya pointed to the Philly Vegan Fest, which she has helped market for several years, and the American Vegan Center as the city's most established vegan nonprofit.

• Keya recommends Happy Cow as a starting point for any traveler passing through the Philadelphia area.
• The American Vegan Center is highlighted as the nonprofit with the deepest history and reach in the city.
• Keya can be found and messaged directly at KeyZ60 for personalized restaurant recommendations.

Keya is being added to the Vegans Explore Philadelphia directory alongside the restaurants and events referenced in this episode.