Zero Hunger Activist Council
World Food Program USA’s Zero Hunger Activist Council is a group of socially conscious and passionate creatives that actively use their platforms to educate and mobilize their audiences to address the global hunger crisis. Members combine forces as experts in their industry to bring a unique and culturally rich perspective to the Zero Hunger movement and activate their fans through social media, advocacy, fundraising and special events.
Meet the Council
“I’ve always been passionate about using my platform for good. I recognize that when I speak people listen, therefore, what I say matters. As I’ve spoke at the U.N. before for ocean conservation, I’ve been in awe of their work. WFP is a powerful extension of that. In 2023, WFP fed 160 million people, empowering communities. I jumped at the chance to be able to spread this message and support this important cause.”
Bailey Bass
(She/Her)
Bailey Bass is an actress, producer, advocate, and entrepreneur. Her work on screen includes playing T’sireya in James Cameron’s Avatar: The Way of Water, Avatar’s 3 through 5, and the iconic role of Claudia in AMC’s Interview With The Vampire. Her work off screen includes producing for TV and film in the areas of animation and live action. Her philanthropic efforts center around sustainability in all aspects of her career including her slow fashion jewelry brand, BaiBai Jewelry, her production projects, and in her advocacy, where she had the opportunity to speak at the U.N. during the Ocean Race conference. In addition to her work in performance, production, and advocacy, she is also a songwriter whose work has been licensed on screen.
Drea Okeke
(She/Her)
Named by New York Magazine’s The Cut as one of “The Best TikTokers to Follow,” Drea Okeke, popularly known by her digital moniker @DreaKnowsBest, is a Nigerian-American content creator, entertainer, comedian, storyteller, professional speaker, consultant, and host who is widely renowned for her relatable comedic skits and videos that amplify her Nigerian culture. As a recent honoree listed on Forbes Top Creators of 2023, and Forbes 30 Under 30 North America + Local LA, Drea has captured not only the hearts of almost seven million followers across social media, but also the attention of the mainstream media, and has been featured in ABC News, Billboard, BuzzFeed, E! News, Forbes, GQ, Teen Vogue, Variety, and more. She was nominated for the 2019 Shorty Award for “TikToker of the Year,” has collaborated with notable celebrities like Mariah Carey and Tracee Ellis Ross, and was tapped to host the 2022 BET Awards red carpet. An impassioned advocate, Drea continues to give back to her communities having sponsored multiple scholarships for first-generation African American college students and even helping to build a school in Africa.
“I’m thrilled and honored to join the Zero Hunger Activist Council and collaborate with such inspiring individuals. My passion for empowering youth and fostering sustainable development aligns perfectly with the World Food Programme’s mission. I’m particularly excited about leveraging our collective influence to raise awareness about global hunger and inspire meaningful action.”
“I studied Global Health at Georgetown, and, following graduation, I joined the emergency response team at a nonprofit focused on global health. During my time there, I worked directly with WFP while responding to health crises around the world and got to witness their incredible work firsthand. Now, as a private chef, I am thrilled to join the Zero Hunger Activist Council and tie my passion for food with my background in the nonprofit sector. It truly feels like a full-circle moment to share the mission of WFP with the online community I’ve built while documenting my own evolution in the food industry.“
Maddy Devita
(She/Her)
Maddy DeVita of Handmethefork is a private chef, recipe developer, and content creator based in New York City. Documenting her time at the Institute of Culinary Education and now as a full-time private chef, Maddy has cultivated a dedicated audience that is inspired by her recipes, style, and lifestyle. Long before attending culinary school, her passion for cooking was sparked from cooking and learning old family recipes from her Nonna. Maddy is widely known for her outstanding dinner parties that infuse her creativity and the client’s personality to create a truly unique meal that leaves guests and her audience hungry for more.
Manolo Gonzalez Vergara
(He/Him)
Manolo Gonzalez Vergara is a host, influencer, entrepreneur, and chef. His passions center around his love of dogs and food. The former inspired the launch of his luxury dog clothing and accessories line, CANINI in 2020. More recently, in partnership with Sam Nazarian’s C3 and Sofia Vergara, Manolo launched TOMA, an innovative culinary brand that masterfully harmonizes flavors and elements from Latin America. Manolo can also be seen as the host for Celebrity Family Food Battle, a delicious cooking competition series out on now on Roku.
“I am incredibly excited and honored to work with WFP, who for decades have led the charge in providing food aid to those who need it the most and who are the most vulnerable. The world has a surplus of food and yet there are millions of people who suffer from chronic or acute hunger, whether it be from political factors or natural disasters, and though it can seem like an uphill battle, there is always something more we can do to help eradicate these extreme cases, which is why I am proud to join such an illustrious organization along with my wonderful councilors.“
Activist Council Activities
July 9, 2024
Council members attend WFP USA’s kick-off event and educational workshop in Los Angeles with special guest speakers to learn about WFP’s commitment to combating hunger.
Sep 26, 2024
Council members will participate on a panel at the Food Tank Climate Week Summit, co-hosted by World Food Program USA, titled “Food and Agriculture is a Key Solution to the Climate Crisis.” Held at WNYC-NPR studios in New York City at the time of the U.N. General Assembly, they’ll discuss the important role that creatives and everyday people can play in advocacy to shift the landscape toward a zero-hunger world.
Photo: WFP/Luise Shikongo
Help Create a Zero Hunger World
It is crucial for the next generation to rise up, learn, and be an active participant in fighting the global hunger crisis. Every action, no matter big or small matters in helping make sure no one goes to bed hungry.