Shirel Ponnudurai Selected as One of Four Students Nationwide for the FMI Midwinter Executive Conference
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EmailShirel represented Michigan State University (MSU) as one of only four students selected nationwide for this prestigious professional development experience.
From January 21–23, Shirel Ponnudurai had the opportunity to attend the FMI Midwinter Executive Conference in San Diego, California as a recipient of the FMI Foundation’s Midwinter Student Scholarship. FMI | Celebrating the FMI Foundation's First-Ever Midwinter Scholars
Shirel represented Michigan State University (MSU) as one of only four students selected nationwide for this prestigious professional development experience. The conference brings together leaders from all areas of the food industry, from retailers and manufacturers to executives and tech innovators, to discuss the pressing issues the industry is facing and explore how it can move forward.
As a master’s candidate at MSU’s Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics, Shirel has cultivated a deep interest in food marketing and consumer behavior over the course of her program. Partnering with the United Dairy Industry of Michigan, her research focuses on studying consumer demand for dairy products and identifying effective marketing strategies to boost dairy consumption. Here is what she had to say about her experience at the conference:
“From the moment I arrived, the atmosphere struck the perfect mix of professional and exciting. Between keynote speakers, panel discussions, and plenty of informal networking, there were nonstop opportunities to hear new ideas and connect with people doing impactful work across the industry. The tech pop-ups were especially fun to explore, with companies showcasing innovative tools designed to solve real-world retail challenges.
My highlight of the conference were the Speakeasy Sessions, which were more laid-back and conversational, allowing for deeper discussion. I learned a lot listening to expert insights about how different companies are adapting to changing consumer trends in an ever-evolving economy.
Reflecting on the experience, the FMI Midwinter Executive Conference was inspiring and educational. Hearing about the many different paths people took to get where they are today was motivating, and it made me even more excited about the food industry’s creativity, resilience, and commitment to showing up for consumers in smart and modern ways. I left the conference feeling energized, inspired, and genuinely excited about what the future of the food industry holds, and how I might be a part of it.”
Dr. Vincenzina Caputo, Professor and Homer Nowlin Endowed Chair in Consumer and Food Economics and Director of the Food Choice & Policy Lab at Michigan State University, emphasized the importance of these opportunities for student development. She noted that “our collaboration with FMI has been instrumental in strengthening both the research and educational programs of our lab. Opportunities such as the FMI Midwinter Executive Conference allow students to connect academic training with real-world industry challenges while building professional networks early in their careers.”
She concluded: “I am especially proud that my MS student, Shirel, was selected to represent Michigan State University among only four students nationwide. We are grateful to the FMI Foundation for its continued investment in student development.”
