Dharma Voices for Animals is the only international Buddhist animal advocacy organization in the world.

Andrea Diaz is an animal rights advocate raised on a farm in South Phoenix, Arizona. She has a Master of Global Animal Law from the Autonomous University of Barcelona and a Bachelor of Criminal Justice from Arizona State University. Her interest was fueled by why so many people she grew up with got caught up in the judicial system. She identifies as a bisexual, Indigenous American/Latina woman.

She became vegan overnight after coming across chicken slaughterhouse footage online in 2016. Her history with human rights caused her to immediately taking action to end the suffering of other beings.

Andrea’s passion for justice and equality has led her to organize hundreds of campaigns, protests, and educational events for multiple animal rights organizations. She has worked as an investigator of factory farms and slaughterhouses in several countries.

Andrea Diaz has recently been drawn to the teachings of the Buddha, has a meditation practice, and has started attending Buddhist retreats.

Forrest Tierce is an advocate for animals, the Earth, and compassionate living. A dedicated vegan for 17 years, he draws from two decades of Buddhist practice across multiple traditions, with a deep commitment to the heart of the Buddha’s teachings—especially the Five Precepts—as guiding principles for compassionate and ethical living.

His professional background includes personal training, sales, and most recently serving as an Interpretive Park Ranger for the National Park Service. He also brings experience in animal liberation activism and environmental education.

Forrest currently serves as the U.S. Project Director for Dharma Voices for Animals, where he works to raise awareness of the connection between the ecological crisis caused by animal agriculture and Buddhist ethics—helping individuals and communities align their food choices with sustainability and compassion for all beings.