Jessica Cohen

Jessica Cohen is a recent graduate of Cornell University with extensive experience advancing plant-forward dining in higher education. As a DefaultVeg intern, she successfully advocated for the removal of the upcharge for plant-based milk, the addition of 15 new plant-based options, and the inclusion of plant-based foods as a strategic priority for Cornell Dining. Building on this success, Jessica founded and directed Upgrade Dining, a national student-led initiative spanning more than 50 universities that helps accelerate plant-based transitions through defaults and behavioral nudges. At the Better Food Foundation, Jessica brings her passion for food systems change and her organizing experience to support student leaders in driving plant-forward progress across campuses nationwide.