Michelle Kijek
Partner
Communicator & Changemaker
Michelle is a food and nutrition communications expert with an unwavering commitment to translating complex nutrition research and policy recommendations into effective science based communications strategies that can help improve public health and achieve clients’ business goals. She has led award- winning strategic campaigns incorporating thought leadership and stakeholder engagement; multidisciplinary advisory panels and coalitions; scientific roundtables and educational symposia; health professional and NGO partnerships; and integrated digital/social media content activations.
Michelle brings more than 25 years of passion and experience in developing integrated nutrition research and science communications pipelines, building lasting thought leader relationships, and creating compelling, innovative content to every new client challenge. She has developed science-based strategies to elevate published evidence and support outreach to extend the reach of MyPlate recommendations, as part of the past five Dietary Guidelines for Americans cycles. Her most recent clients have included the Produce for Better Health Foundation, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, Potatoes USA, Simply Good Foods, Grain Foods Foundation, Alliance for Potato Research and Education, and Balchem.
Her work has led to significant improvements in consumer and nutrition influencer awareness for dietary patterns, foods, and nutrients; increased support for science-based nutrition messaging in thought leader and nutrition policy materials for various products and commodities; and improved, long-term strategic relationships with industry and health professional partners on behalf of food commodities, CPGs, academia, and NGOs.
Michelle graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. She also completed the Nutrition Science for Communications Professionals online course at Tufts University Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy.
When she’s not articulating nuances of nutrition research or forging partnerships with food and health stakeholders, Michelle loves to bake sweets with her daughter and entertain family and friends with Barefoot Contessa-inspired favorites.
“If you really want to make a friend, go to someone’s house and eat with him… the people who give you their food give you their heart.”
Explore our work!
Strategic nutrition support, based in the Washington, DC metro area.