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I build and grow food and beverage businesses—from established global brands to…
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Katia Facchetti shared thisThanks Lauren! What an exciting initiative to transform our food systems for the future with an interdisciplinary approach. It was a privilege and an honor to attend this pivotal event! Noel E. Anderson PhDKatia Facchetti shared thisWhat if Western Massachusetts could become for food innovation what Greater Boston has become for biotech? Last night, I had the opportunity to attend the kickoff celebration for University of Massachusetts Amherst new Future of Food initiative at the UMass Club in Boston. Inspired by the incredible $30MM gift on behalf of Paul and Diane Manning, UMass is making a significant bet on the future of food, a $120MM initiative that will bring together food science, agriculture, health, sustainability, research, and commercialization including a new 36,000-square-foot research facility and the Center for the Future of Food. What I’m most excited about is what this investment can add to the food innovation ecosystem that’s already been growing across Massachusetts. We have incredible universities, researchers, entrepreneurs, investors, food and agriculture organizations, and companies working across the state, and now significant new resources and infrastructure coming online at UMass. Having spent the last decade building Branchfood and Branch Venture Group and helping grow this community, it’s exciting to see food innovation getting this level of investment and attention. There’s an opportunity to connect even more of the incredible work already happening across Massachusetts and strengthen our position as a place where new ideas in food can move from research to real-world impact. There’s so much to build on, and I’m excited about what comes next. Congratulations to the UMass Amherst team and everyone helping bring this vision to life! Noel E. Anderson PhD Lili He Katia Facchetti David Vogel Carl Rust Peter H Reinhart Dan Hodge
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Katia Facchetti shared thisHeading to Boston to be part of the inaugural launch of the UMass Future of Food initiative with Noel E. Anderson PhDUMass Amherst Launches Historic, Transformational $120 Million Future of Food Initiative | UMass AmherstUMass Amherst Launches Historic, Transformational $120 Million Future of Food Initiative | UMass Amherst
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Katia Facchetti shared thisGreat opportunity!Katia Facchetti shared thisWe have an opening for a Department Head here at UMass Food Science! Please consider applying or passing along to anyone you may think is interested: https://lnkd.in/gxNyga2a
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Katia Facchetti shared thisLove seeing Cornellians making their mark #IFTFIRST. Dr. Mercy Lung'aho Carmen Moraru Interesting discussion. Cornell University Institute of Food Technologists (IFT)
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Katia Facchetti shared thisSo exciting to learn from J. Kenji López-Alt Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) #IFTFIRST. Curiosity is the first step in innovation
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Katia Facchetti shared thisNoel E. Anderson PhD final hurrah on the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT)Board of Directors #IFTFIRST! Great group of people dedicated to making our world food supply better and better!
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Katia Facchetti shared thisIt's going to be fun! Join Noel E. Anderson PhD and I for UMass Food Science Alumni weekend in April.Katia Facchetti shared thisMark your calendars and your taste buds, Alumni Weekend 2026 line up is here! Registration link: https://lnkd.in/dVsJhrRr #UMassFoodScience #AW26
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Katia Facchetti reposted thisKatia Facchetti reposted thisI'm hiring! Looking for a mission driven & business forward Vice President of Information Technology to help IFT become the world's leading platform for connection, learning, and discovery in food systems! Please direct all inquiries to our executive search partner, Rosemary Gantz (r.gantz@stantonchase.com) / https://lnkd.in/gpF-K_QC Executive Overview: The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) is entering one of the most dynamic and mission defining periods in its 86‑year history. Its shift from food science to food systems has expanded its influence from a U.S.-based scientific association to a global convener shaping how the world thinks about food, technology, innovation, sustainability, and truth. This role sits at the heart of that evolution. Why this role matters: The VP of IT will unify fragmented systems, elevate enterprise reliability, and serve as a strategic partner to leaders in Membership, Marketing, Finance, Content, Events, Education, and Science & Policy. This work will directly impact IFT’s ability to reach researchers, scientists, students, policymakers, and innovators worldwide. This is not maintenance leadership—this is transformational leadership. The person in this role will help reshape the digital spine of IFT and influence how the organization operates for the next decade. The Opportunity: The VP of IT is a strategic leader responsible for enterprise-wide technology direction. You will lead the modernization of IFT’s enterprise systems, data platforms, and technology governance to support a global scientific community. You will build strategic clarity, strengthen reliability, and drive adoption of next-generation tools—while guiding responsible AI enablement and shaping an enterprise data architecture that allows IFT to make smarter, faster, and more meaningful decisions. Key Responsibilities: - Develop and execute a multi-year enterprise IT strategy aligned to IFT’s mission. - Establish governance, prioritization standards, and system architecture frameworks. - Lead modernization across infrastructure, cloud strategy, cybersecurity, and resilience. - Improve integration across AMS, CRM, CMS, data warehouse, and digital platforms. - Enhance reporting, dashboards, and data literacy across teams. - Introduce AI readiness frameworks and help the organization adopt responsible use. - Strengthen cross-functional relationships and improve communication clarity.
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Katia Facchetti liked thisKatia Facchetti liked thisFor 2 years, I have had the honour of serving!! Leadership is Service!! Serving as a Board Member at the IFT Student Association (IFTSA) gave me an opportunity to interact with experienced professionals in the Food Systems within Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) and spread my wings out wide. It posed a challenge to me and I was up to the task. A volunteer opportunity that allowed me the opportunity to work with team across timezones and still got work done is worth celebrating. An opportunity that started off through networking at a SAAFoST conference grew over time to be an incredible oppotunity that availed many more opportunities for me an many other young Africans in my networks especially in the science of food. I am grateful for the platform and the incredible networking opportunities it continues to avail including the very recent exchange program at the University of Missouri-Columbia under the supervision of Kiruba Krishnaswamy. At IFT Student Association (IFTSA) I had the Opportunity to serve among some of the most incredible leaders in the Science of Food. During the two years I worked closely with Jana Schreuder Rachael Enfield Stefhanie Loaiza Sánchez Luuvan Hoang Sebastian Garzon Aviva Stein Jenna Fryer, Ph.D. Viral Shukla Chamali Kodikara Katelyn Boyle, Ph.D. Paula Szymanowicz Toyosi 'Timmy' George, Ph.D Mauricio G. Akshara Nair Rañia Marie Buenavista April Huang Divine Eche Ikenna Okehie Charley Wang. As well as IFT Staff such as Stephanie Walaszek Christina Ginardi, M.Ed., PMP Nina Steele Seneshia Jones and IFT Board Members Christie Tarantino-Dean Seán Leighton Christopher R. Daubert Gunnar Sigge Noel E. Anderson PhD Mohamed Badaoui Najjar, PhD Darryl Riley Peggy Poole Arti Arora Faith Critzer Tejas Bhatt, MS among others. The one thing that I am most proud in my service at IFT is that I was allowed institute the first official IFT Mentorship Program under the Member Resource Groups. Seeing this program come to life and the impact it continues to create gives me so much joy and fulfillment. As I celebrate this incredible experience, I have been selected by the World Federation of United Nations Associations (WFUNA) and FAO and awarded a partially funded opportunity to attend the Global Model FAO event from 23 to the 28th November 2026. The partial funding covers the cost of accomodation while but excludes other costs like travel costs, visa costs and registration. I am keen to participate in this wonderful opportunity and I am seeking for support. I have created a backabuddy link to support this endeavor and open more doors for more young people just like I have always done in the past platforms: https://lnkd.in/d65hh7Tp Thank you.
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Katia Facchetti liked thisStrap in! Now it gets fun. One more step to go…Katia Facchetti liked thisAccording to GlobalData Plc, Paulaner ranked second among wheat beer brands worldwide in 2025 – and number one from Germany! At Paulaner Brauerei Gruppe GmbH & Co. KGaA, we are proud of this achievement. Behind this success are more than strong numbers: there are people who bring passion, expertise and dedication to their work every day, making our wheat beer one of the best in the world. A heartfelt thank you to our colleagues, our partners and all wheat beer fans around the world who make this success possible. And anyone who knows Paulaner knows this: We are proud and grateful for this achievement. But we are already looking ahead. #Paulaner #PaulanerWeissbier #Munich #BrewingTradition
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Katia Facchetti liked thisKatia Facchetti liked thisFrom farm to plate, our health is connected. Food safety is closely linked to the health of the plants and animals that make up our food systems. Through its international food safety and quality standards, Codex provides countries with practical tools that can help translate the #OneHealth approach into action across agrifood systems. From tackling foodborne antimicrobial resistance to promoting good agricultural and hygiene practices, these standards demonstrate why collaboration across sectors matters. At the FAO Global Conference for Actions on One Health in Agrifood Systems, 21–23 September, experts and partners from around the world will explore how we can turn One Health approaches into practical, coordinated action. 👉 Find out more and join the conversation: https://lnkd.in/eeBQayRK
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Katia Facchetti liked thisKatia Facchetti liked this
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Katia Facchetti liked thisKatia Facchetti liked thisOne Health is a farmer's agenda, a scientist's agenda, and a Minister's agenda. FAO Director-General QU Dongyu opened the Global Conference for Actions on #OneHealth in Agrifood Systems today highlighting the close interconnections between agriculture and the health of people, animals, plants and ecosystems. These connections crosscut a number of government ministries and require all stakeholders to work together in an efficient, effective and coherent manner, the Director-General explained. Degraded soil can weaken crops and animal feed, while poor water quality can spread pathogens between animals and people. He also noted that pests and diseases destroy an estimated 20 to 40 percent of global crop production every year, illustrating the consequences that threats to plant health can have for food security. Such challenges cannot be addressed in isolation. One Health recognizes that the health of people, animals, plants and ecosystems is closely interconnected and that tackling risks such as emerging diseases, antimicrobial resistance, climate change and food safety requires different sectors to work together. Bringing these sectors together is a central aim of the conference being held at FAO’s Rome headquarters. The aim is to help countries move from dialogue to practical action. Discussions will focus on strengthening cooperation, sharing knowledge and identifying priority actions and investment opportunities to make agrifood systems healthier and more resilient. “This event brings together High-Level Government Representatives, with scientists, farmers, Indigenous Peoples, youth and civil society from around the world - this diversity is the very essence of One Health” emphasized Qu. https://lnkd.in/e_ZyYS6q
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Katia Facchetti liked thisKatia Facchetti liked thisAfter a year of engaging with stakeholders both within and outside the university — and at a critical moment for higher education in the United States — a faculty-led committee has offered its vision for fortifying Cornell’s long-term future in the face of unprecedented challenges. The Committee on the Future of the American University was charged by Provost Kavita Bala in October 2025 to explore how the university can evolve to best serve future generations while pursuing its core missions. On September 22, the committee released a comprehensive report and vision statement listing five guiding institutional commitments that offer a path forward for Cornell and a potential inspiration for other universities. The ultimate goal, according to the committee, is for the university to unite around a clear purpose, “a human-centered, integrated learning ecosystem to cultivate sound judgment.” Read more at the link in our comments.
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Katia Facchetti reacted on thisKatia Facchetti reacted on this🐻🏛️ Cornell is ranked #14 in the 2027 U.S. News & World Report!! I made a Ranking List of all the College Ranking Lists, and U.S. News & World Report is now ranked #5!! (yay!!) here's the Ranking List of College Ranking Lists (based on their accuracy)!! 1. LinkedIn Top Colleges (Cornell ranked 8) 2. Bloomberg (Cornell ranked 9) 3. Academic Influence (Cornell ranked 11) 4. ARWU (Cornell ranked 12) 5. U.S. News & World Report (Cornell ranked 14) 5. Forbes (Cornell ranked 14) 5. Center for World University Rankings (Cornell ranked 14) 5. CollegeVine (Cornell ranked 14) 9. Washington Monthly (Cornell ranked 15) 10. QS (Cornell ranked 16) 11. CollegeRaptor (Cornell ranked 17) 12. Times Higher Education (Cornell ranked 18) 12. WSJ/College Pulse (Cornell ranked 18) 14. NTU Rankings (Cornell ranked 19) 15. Niche (Cornell ranked 21) 16. Round University Rankings (Cornell ranked 22) please let me know if I'm missing any ranking lists!! I'll include it in the Ranking List of College Ranking Lists!!
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Katia Facchetti liked thisExcited to be part of this terrific event supporting our nonprofit community! Looking forward to joining host and facilitator, Elisse Glennon, as well as Judy Ross, CDME, Holly Martins and the Meadowlands Chamber Nonprofit Committee for this upcoming workshop! I'll be sharing some practical marketing ideas in a session called "Small Budget, Big Reach: The Nonprofit Marketing Playbook." Drawing on my marketing and brand building expertise, I hope to share some actionable tips to help nonprofits make the most of their resources, connect with their audiences and amplify their impact. A big thank you to Elisse for inviting me to participate. Looking forward to a great morning of sharing ideas, learning and connecting with nonprofit leaders doing such meaningful work in our communities. Hope to see some of my New Jersey nonprofit friends there!Katia Facchetti liked thisReady to take your organization’s impact to the next level? 🚀 Join Elisse Glennon Consulting LLC at the Nonprofit Leadership Workshop on Tuesday, November 17, 2026, at Meadowlands Chamber in Lyndhurst, NJ! Facilitated by Elisse Glennon, this half-day workshop features powerful sessions designed to boost your philanthropic reach and streamline your strategy. 🎟️ Tickets: $10 for Members | $25 for Non-Members 📙 Bonus: Every attendee receives a copy of "BIG BOLD GOALS" by Elisse Glennon! Seats are limited—secure your spot today! 👉 Register now at https://bit.ly/3VLaKHY Theresa A. Shubeck, M.Litt. #NonprofitLeadership #ProfessionalDevelopment #LeadershipWorkshop #Networking
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Katia Facchetti liked thisKatia Facchetti liked thisThe Institute for Applied Life Sciences (IALS) at the University of Massachusetts Amherst provides seed funding, incubation space, and venture mentoring to nurture fledgling companies with promising tech developed at the university as they work to attract outside investors. A sterling example of the success of the IALS approach is Waterfall Scientific, built upon research led by Craig Martin, emeritus professor from the College of Natural Sciences at UMass Amherst’s Chemistry Department, and Sarah Perry, Gary R. Lapidus Professor of the Riccio College of Engineering, UMass Amherst. Waterfall was recently awarded up to $54.5 million by the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) to lead a six-company consortium to revolutionize the production of medical-grade messenger RNA (mRNA)—an achievement which could not have occurred without IALS and the associated Center for Bioactive Delivery (CBD). RNA therapeutics have the potential to transform medicine as we know it—but the current multi-step techniques for making mRNA are far too expensive and slow for the therapy to realize its full potential. This is where Waterfall Scientific, as part of this six-company consortium, can make a significant impact. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/emRgRxJn UMass Amherst Institute for Applied Life Sciences #CNS #UMassIALS #UMassChemistry #WaterfallScientific #UMassEngineering #IALS #ARPAH #mRNA #RNA #Chemistry
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Industrial-Strength Marketing: Getting Serious About Competing
Companies that fail to get marketing right will not only lose market share but will find it difficult to attract marketing talent.
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To refresh food industry knowledge, attended Master’s of Italian Gastronomy program in Parma, Italy. Earned Italian Sommelier certification. Engaged in consulting assignments, including non-profit and private equity owned food-related organizations. Studied Italian and French.
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English
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Italian
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French
Professional working proficiency
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