Looking for some Food for Thought? We’ve got what you need.

Join Old Soul Young World at Palette Event Space in Lynn for an evening of community and conversation with catered apps from the celebrated Everybody Gotta Eat!

Founder Manny Mervil will be featured with other panelists for an inspirational “deep dish” discussion on Stomaching Growing Pains, Digesting Failure and Nutritional Life Lessons moderated by Jessie Elly of Old Soul Young World. This is an evening you won’t want to miss!

PANELIST BIOS

Manny Mervil, founder of Everybody Gotta Eat, is making waves in Boston’s food scene by bringing people together through the power of food. Inspired by his Haitian upbringing and his mother’s tradition of feeding everyone, Manny has built a brand rooted in community and culture. “One thing everyone is going to do is eat,” he says, reflecting on the central role food has played in his life.

What started as a small community giveback in Cambridge has now evolved into a multifaceted venture that includes catering, social media marketing, and brand partnerships. Known as Boston’s “Food Phantom,” Manny curates menus for events and highlights underrepresented chefs and restaurants. With over 19K Instagram followers, Everybody Gotta Eat continues to grow, becoming a go-to for food lovers across the city. Through events like the annual Community Cook-Out and ongoing collaborations, Manny Mervil’s influence on Boston’s food culture only continues to rise.

Carolina Trujillo, originally from Cali, Colombia, has lived in Boston for over two decades. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Journalism-Mass Communications from Universidad Autónoma de Occidente and multiple advanced degrees, including two master’s from Suffolk University and an MBA from European Business School. Carolina has over 20 years of experience in human services and non-profit sectors, having led organizations like Citizens Inn and the Latin American Health Institute. Currently, she is the Community Relations Manager and Publisher of La Voz Newspaper, focusing on media that serves the North Shore Latino community. Carolina is recognized for her leadership and community impact, having received numerous awards including Amplify LatinX’s ALX100 and the LatinX Excellence on the Hill Award. She serves on various executive boards and was recently appointed to Governor Maura Healey’s Latino Empowerment Council.

Jhonattan Santelises is the founder and owner of JAS Nutri-Fit, located in Lynn, MA. As a NASM-certified personal trainer, competitive bodybuilder, and nutrition coach, his lifelong passion for health and fitness has driven his journey within the industry. From the outset, Jhonattan’s dedication was clear, beginning with a small supplement business where he trained friends and family. Over time, JAS Nutri-Fit evolved into a full-scale gym, offering personal training, small group sessions, group classes, and a variety of fitness programs. He is deeply grateful for the trust the community has placed in him and the support of the JAS team and clients, who have become like family.

Merlinda Marseille-Philippe has dedicated her 20-year career to the nonprofit sector, with a focus on youth development. Of Haitian descent, she brings both lived experience and direct service expertise to her role as Director of Programs at Root NorthShore in Salem, MA. At Root, the organization is guided by a “Youth-First” approach, ensuring that young people have a voice in shaping their experience and the organization’s initiatives. Outside of work, Merlinda enjoys spending time with her husband and two children.

Bryan McAskill (Ed.M., B.A., LSC) is an Outpatient Clinician in the mental health field, a high school football coach, and an herbalist. Based in Lynn, MA, he operates Herbal Healing LLC, where he combines his expertise in natural health and wellness. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Holistic Medicine and Healing Nutrition, Bryan is passionate about guiding individuals toward holistic wellness, helping them embrace inner peace and vitality.

With years of experience in nutrition, mental health counseling, and coaching, Bryan has seen firsthand the profound impact of mindfulness on mental well-being and overall health. As a Board Certified Holistic Health Practitioner and Certified Holistic Life Coach, accredited by the American Association of Drugless Practitioners, he blends ancient healing wisdom with modern practices to offer a comprehensive, holistic approach to wellness.