MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the SEED Food and Wine Festival is to inspire, entertain and educate our community and the thousands of patrons who flock to our events from across the country, on the benefits of plant-based living, sustainability and wellness. All while celebrating the diverse cultures, unique beauty and splendor that is Miami.

THE FOUNDERS

Alison Burgos

Alison is no stranger to organizing and promoting large scale events. Since 1998, Burgos has produced destination weekends and events in Las Vegas, Orlando, Miami, Atlanta, Charlotte, and Puerto Rico. And Burgos knows how to draw a crowd – her events attract over 30,000 people annually.

When she became diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in 2008, she was confined to a wheelchair from 2011 to 2012, then underwent knee replacement surgery, followed by six months of physical rehabilitation to be able to walk again.

Becoming more conscious of what she put into her body, she began consuming more fruits and vegetables, until adopting the plant-based diet she eats today. Realizing that changing her diet had put the spring back in her step, Gaber and Burgos saw the opportunity to teach others how to eat their way to better health.

As a foodie, and highly aware of the burgeoning foodie scene in Miami, they realized that with Alison’s extensive experience as an event producer, that organizing the first of its kind plant-based food and wine festival was the best way to educate as well as enlighten others.

Michelle Gaber

Michelle is a seasoned entrepreneur and philanthropist. Having spent twenty-years interested in health and wellness. Michelle has a broad spectrum of talents. She was a certified spin instructor, STOTT Pilates trained instructor, Licensed Optician, trained raw food chef and the face of women centered online boutique, Kitty’s Toy Box.

A licensed optician by day, and passionate plant-based advocate by night who hopes to inspire others to live a conscious life. Michelle is passionate about her community and has served on numerous steering committees working with a wide range of organizations including: Aqua Foundation for Women, National Center for Lesbian Rights, Care Resource, National Voices for Equality Education and Enlightenment, The Gay and Lesbian Task Force.

In 2011 she was featured in GO Magazine “Working it! Top 20 Entrepreneurs.” Michelle shares her passion for plant-based living with her friends and family.