The good Cornellians can do: Elisa Bremner ’90

Elisa Bremner '90 is a registered dietician who educates others about the health and environmental benefits of plant-based nutrition. In her professional life, Elisa has worked with people from all walks of life, including individuals facing economic hardship and developmental disabilities. All are welcome at her table.

“I’ve seen firsthand that people facing the greatest barriers to health often have the most to gain from learning simple, accessible ways to nourish themselves,” Elisa says.

She learned about the Building Healthy Communities program while doing online research, and she realized that there was no local chapter. So, Elisa decided to found one. Building Healthy Communities Westchester is a free initiative that hosts potlucks, film screenings, farm tours, and educational workshops.

Elisa recently hosted a plant-based cooking class at her local library, where participants prepared lentil and quinoa wraps.

“Everyone was working on different things, cooking, chopping, and mixing,” she says. “And most attendees were thrilled with the things they learned and tasted! Some of the most meaningful moments for me are the quiet ones: watching strangers connect over a shared meal, seeing someone discover they can cook healthy food on a budget, or helping a young adult with disabilities gain confidence in the kitchen.”

Cornellians around the globe are sharing how they do good in communities big and small. Share your own story.