On this episode of the VWS Pathfinders Podcast, Jenny chats with BIOMILQ founder and food scientist Michelle Egger. A woman who has dedicated her life to understanding the intricacies of dairy, Michelle empowers women by combining the nutrition of breastmilk with the practicality of formula. 

After the culture shock of Purdue University, Michelle found herself in the place she least expected: dairy. Working for General Mills' convenience and foodservice desk, she was tasked with developing low-sugar yogurt for children. It wasn't until volunteering for Partners in Food Solutions that Michelle found her true calling. While working in Ethiopia, she saw firsthand the profound impact of her work. From that point on, she dedicated herself to making a social impact through food. Founding BIOMILQ with cell biologist Lelia Strickland, the company has rocketed into the spotlight. Recently receiving $3.5 million of funding from Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Bill Gates' investment firm, BIOMILQ has received worldwide recognition for their revolutionary work.  

This Cast Covers 

Intro [00:37] 

Michelle's background and the influence of our parents [01:40] 

Growing up around female role models [06:53] 

Life at Purdue University [09:09] 

Making practical decisions when addressing systemic issues [13:00] 

Working for General Mills [17:45] 

Cell-based solutions in developing nations [25:07] 

Maximizing potential and the importance of regulation [28:19] 

COVID vaccine, understanding the process [30:43] 

The BIOMILQ story [32:59] BIOMILQ as a business [36:43] 

Pitching BIOMILQ [37:59] Finding the right investor [39:59] 

Women's role in the cell-based food industry and business [41:20] 

My biggest mistake [46:40] 

Why care about BIOMILQ? What is BIOMILQ? [52:52] 

Follow BIOMILQ on: 

BIOMILQ Website: https://www.biomilq.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/biomilq/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/biomilq
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/biomilq/

Follow VWS on:
VWS Newsletter: http://veganwomensummit.com/newsletter
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vegan-women-summit/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veganwomensummit/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/veganwomensummit
Twitter: https://twitter.com/vegwomensummit

Quotes "Everyone in this entire world is a customer, and if you treat everyone like a customer ... you'll build better relationships and have a more foundational experience together" - Michelle's father "How do we be a just and equal supply chain using cellular agriculture?" - Michelle Egger

 "Especially in the southeast of the United States, everyone thought she was truly a crazy person." - Michelle Egger talking about Leila Strickland's work 

"For BIOMILQ specifically, it is harder because we are feeding the most precious beings on the planet, and so milk looks a little different." - Michelle Egger 

"That is not how the world works, and that is not how we are going to create the impact we want to see in this world." - Michelle Egger "I started Googling how do you have a social impact career in food." - Michelle Egger