Source is happy to announce another issue of INSIDE SOURCE and wanted to take the opportunity to introduce a new Regulatory Affairs Specialist (Food Labelling), Michelle La. Michelle graduated from the University of Manitoba with a degree In Human Nutritional Sciences along with a minor in Management! She enjoys continuous learning including maintaining involvement with Toastmasters. We’ve already enjoyed her company and have gained from her fresh perspective here in our Corporate Office. We look forward to building more moments as a team together!
Read more about Michelle below!
- Tell us a little bit about what got you here – your education and your passions that brought you to be part of team SNI?
I recently graduated this spring from the University of Manitoba with a BSc in Human Nutritional Sciences and a minor in Management. Throughout my undergraduate studies, I worked as a Food Production Assistant at a local food store, moved onto work as a Research Assistant at the Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, and the most exciting work experience so far was interning as a Research Assistant at the Senate of Canada this past summer at our nation’s capital – Ottawa! These unique work experiences have brought me to be a part of the interdisciplinary team here at SNI.
- Quick, teach us one fun fact about food labelling regulations that readers may not know about.
Coconut is a priority allergen in the USA but not in Canada. Whereas mustard is a high priority allergen in Canada but not in the USA.
- We know you enjoy regulatory affairs; what is something else you’re passionate about that you’d like to share with our readers?
Learning! While I’ve graduated, I feel like learning should never stop. Learning about new things opens you to various perspectives and challenges you to think outside the box. Although I plan to go to grad school in the near future, there are many avenues to gain valuable knowledge aside from traditional education, whether it be reading books, listening to podcasts, watching docu-series, etc. Currently, pseudoscience, data science/big data, and financial literacy are on my learning radar.
- Finally, if you had to describe yourself in just 3 words to someone, what words would you use?
Hardworking – My parents instilled this in me at a very young age to work hard and to take great pride in my work. I would describe the team at SNI to be hardworking too, and it’s an environment where everyone thrives. Also, nothing feels better when you prove doubters wrong with strong work ethics!
Attentive – This trait has certainly developed over the years from working as a Research Assistant, and is an important skill to have especially when working with important stakeholders.
Calm/composed/stoic/chill – Ok, I cheated and asked my friends for help on this third trait. This is a variation of what they all said and it’s true…I’m the most calm in my friend group and with my family.
