Meet the plant-based visionary behind Love Veg Latino

Love Veg Latino is here—a space where culture, tradition, and plant-based eating unite. What sparked the idea? We spoke with Elena Sequeira–the mind behind the project–to find out.

How do you think food and culture go hand-in-hand?

Food and culture are deeply intertwined. While different regions may share ingredients, each has its own way of combining and preparing them. 

For example, in my home country of Costa Rica, we have special meals for every occasion. On Independence Day, breakfast is extra abundant. And we always serve a rice dish called arroz con siempre at birthday parties.

Even within the same country, each region has its own distinctive dishes, showcasing the diversity within unity.

What do you hope to accomplish with Love Veg Latino?

I hope those in the U.S. Latino community–regardless of their country of origin–find a sense of community through Love Veg Latino. 

I want them to see their favorite dishes reimagined in a plant-based way, to share their own experiences with plant-based cooking, and to fall in love with the benefits!

What is your plant-based story? 

My plant-based journey began when I adopted four incredible feline friends who quickly became my family. 

Each one of them has a unique personality, with their own likes, dislikes, and ways of expressing themselves. 

One day, it struck me: just like my cats, all animals are individuals with their own experiences and stories. I decided to respect all animals’ individuality and only accept what they willingly shared with me, which has been nothing but companionship and love. 

Not long after, I made a trip to my local farmer’s market and, for the first time, filled my basket entirely with plant-based foods (definitely more than I needed). 

That week, I planned my meals and found myself cooking ingredients like lentils and beans. Every meal came with the peace of mind that my actions now aligned with my love for animals. 

When did you first discover your love for cooking?

I fell in love with cooking as a kid, watching my mom and grandma in the kitchen. Growing up with them meant our home was always filled with delicious aromas and family traditions.

I loved when my grandma baked pastries, and I’ll never forget begging her for days to make a cajetas recipe I found in a kids’ magazine. When she finally did, it became one of her regulars.

My mom was the same—she kept a cookbook on her nightstand, stuffing it with recipes we found together while watching morning cooking shows. That’s how I discovered some of my favorites: pasta alfredo (or en salsa blanca) and cheesecake. Now, you can find both recipes on Love Veg Latino!

I’ve always believed food is a way to say, “I care about you.” And when I discovered plant-based cooking, it became a way of saying, “I care about others too.”

What’s the most rewarding part of sharing plant-based Latino food with others?

Knowing that someone will rediscover a beloved family recipe—the one that always brought everyone to the table—now with a plant-based twist! When they take that first bite, I hope they feel connected to their roots and proud of a choice that embraces compassion and self-care.

What do you want people to feel when they visit Love Veg Latino?

I want them to feel inspired! The site has so much to offer. It’s a space where they can dive into new plant-based recipes, discover tips for easy meal planning, and gain insights into nutrition. 

And if they have questions or ideas, I want them to let us know. We’re here to help them along the way!

What’s a must-try Latino dish?

Latin America is incredibly diverse, with each region bringing its own flavors and traditions to the table.

That said, empanadas are a classic. Nearly every country has a take on it—different fillings, doughs, and cooking methods that make them uniquely special. I love a crispy, fried black bean empanada packed with rich, savory flavor or an Argentinian-style empanada stuffed with spinach and onion.

But if I had to choose just one dish, I’d say rice and beans cooked with coconut oil and coconut milk. Found in many Latin American and Caribbean cuisines, it’s deeply comforting, flavorful, and plant-based!

What’s the one Latino ingredient you can’t live without?

Hot sauce! Latinos have mastered the art of using chiles—blending different varieties, sometimes even with fruits, to create bold, flavorful sauces.

These sauces come in so many levels of spice. I always go for the one with the most flames on the label. It adds that perfect kick to any dish!

Any final words for the Love Veg Latino community?

This project is not just about food; it’s about giving back, inspiring creativity in the kitchen, and celebrating our rich Latino culture. Love Veg Latino shows we can hold onto what unites us: family, heritage, and joy. 

It also adds values of compassion and respect for all living beings–just like a good seasoning gives something extra to a dish.