A passionate nutrition advocate who once worked part-time as a cheesemonger in D.C.’s Eastern Market, Michelle Smolarski is dedicated to the food industry in every way – from connecting with consumers to influencing public policy.
Today, Michelle works as Associate Manager, External Affairs & Issue Management for Unilever, where she leads advocacy efforts to address key issues facing the food and consumer products industries. She is also earning an MBA at Georgetown University, focusing on the intersection of policy and business as a mechanism to improve public health.
Diagnosed with Type I diabetes at four years old, Michelle has a personal connection to nutrition and its role as an essential tool to manage health. She became interested in nutrition and policy in high school, volunteering with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) and traveling to Washington D.C. to meet with members of Congress. She later interned on Capitol Hill and continued working in nutrition policy and regulatory affairs for the food industry. Today, she’s excited to be part of the innovative initiatives in her industry that could help solve some of the most complex global challenges, from climate change to consumer health issues.
“The Bryce Harlow Foundation is a shining beacon for lobbying with integrity, and celebrates the profession for creating many positive outcomes for the public,” Michelle said. “I’m proud to be a Bryce Harlow Fellow, and to be part of a community contributing to this positive change.”
