Should you mention you're vegan on LinkedIn?
If you're a "quiet" vegan working in a traditional or conservative corporate environment, and your LinkedIn profile doesn’t reflect your vegan values at all, it might be time to reconsider. On the flip side, if your profile is heavily focused on veganism to the point of overshadowing your professional identity, a more balanced approach could be more effective.
Why it matters
Despite growing mainstream acceptance, veganism is still sometimes perceived as extreme or preachy, especially in corporate circles. This perception can lead professionals to avoid mentioning it altogether. But staying silent is a missed opportunity. Subtly incorporating your vegan values into your LinkedIn profile can:
Help others find you – including colleagues or peers looking to connect with like-minded professionals.
Normalize veganism in corporate leadership and professional spaces.
Demonstrate values-driven leadership, which is increasingly important in today’s purpose-driven business landscape.
How to do it right
LinkedIn remains a professional platform, but there are tactful ways to reflect your values without compromising your credibility. Here are some effective strategies:
✅ Tie veganism to tangible achievements
Mention vegan-related accomplishments in the Experience, Education, or Projects sections. For example:
“Co-President, Harvard Vegan Society”
“Founder, Plant-Based Travel App”
These entries show initiative and leadership, not just personal preference.
✅ Add a soft mention in your summary
After outlining your professional background, you can include a personal note like:
“Outside of work, I’m passionate about plant-based cooking and sustainable living.”
This adds personality without being polarizing.
✅ Include “vegan” in your skills
Adding “Vegan” or “Plant-Based Nutrition” to your Skills section can help others find you through keyword searches. It’s a subtle but effective signal.
✅ Join relevant LinkedIn Groups
Groups like Vegan Leaders in Corporate Management can appear under “Interests” and help you connect with a broader network.
✅ Use clear language
Avoid vague phrases like “passionate about health and sustainability.” If veganism is important to you, use the word “vegan” or “plant-based” explicitly to ensure visibility in searches.
What to avoid
While it’s great to be authentic, overemphasizing veganism can unintentionally reinforce negative stereotypes. Consider toning down if your profile includes:
The (V) symbol after your name – It may confuse or alienate some viewers.
Vegan-only headlines – Instead of “Vegan Warrior Saving the Planet,” try “Marketing Director | Sustainability Advocate | Vegan.”
Rants or manifestos in your summary – Lead with your professional value first.
A one-dimensional resume – Ensure your profile reflects a well-rounded professional identity.
Being vegan is part of who you are, and in today’s workplace, authenticity matters. But how you present that identity on LinkedIn can influence how others perceive your professionalism and leadership potential. A thoughtful, balanced approach can help you stand out for the right reasons.
For more insights tailored to professionals integrating plant-based values into their corporate careers, visit our Featured Leader Series pages.
