Mikael Neilson serves as Mercy For Animals' Chicago Outreach Coordinator, where he oversees, coordinates, and attends dozens of grassroots outreach events annually, including vegetarian leafleting, educational exhibits, and more.

Watching friendly turkeys on TV that were about to be killed and eaten for Thanksgiving is what brought animal protection ideals to the forefront for Mikael. That was more than 12 years ago and Mikael has been a staunch advocate for the animals ever since.

Inspired by one of EarthSave Chicago's Conferences for Conscious Living, Mikael became involved with the group, coordinating outreach events, conferences, helping with Fur Free Friday events and the Compassion on Wheels TV van.

After years of volunteering with MFA, Mikael became the organization's Chicago Outreach Coordinator in the spring of 2008. Mikael has organized countless leafleting events, enduring all kinds of weather to get thousands of Why Vegetarian? brochures into the hands of commuters. Whether he is staffing a table at a festival with his 8-year-old daughter, Riley, or leafleting on the street, Mikael always maintains a positive attitude and always has a smile.

During the 2008 Celebrating Compassion Gala, Mikael was honored for his dedication to protecting animals with the "Activist of the Year Award."