As you read these words, the deadliest conflict since World War II is raging in the Democratic Republic of Congo. To date, the death toll is estimated to be over 5 million people – more than Iraq, Afghanistan and Darfur combined. This war is not only brutal in its intensity but also in its tactics aimed at destroying the center of the Congolese community: women.

It was a story about the violent war against Congolese women that inspired vegan activist Lisa Shannon to get off the couch and begin training to run the rugged forest of Portland’s Wildwood Trail – over 30 miles – in hopes of raising enough money to sponsor 31 women through Women for Women International, a program that supports women in war-torn regions with financial and emotional aid and education. What started as a lone run in 2005 has since blossomed into a global movement with runs in 10 states and 4 countries.

Fresh from her appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show, Shannon will share her thoughts on the intersection between veganism and human rights, the power of grassroots movement, uniting against oppression and how one person can make a difference.