General Mills Alumnae Return to Recruit Next Generation of Innovators
Two distinguished alumnae recently returned to The Hill to recruit talented students. Dawn Nash ’20, ’21, and Dr. Fredreana Hester ’13, ’16, visited campus as part of General Mills’ efforts to provide opportunities for students to explore internships and careers within the company.
This year marks Nash’s second consecutive visit to The Hill and Hester’s third.
“It’s important to give back to my alma mater,” says Nash. “When I was a student, General Mills came to me, so I’m always excited to return and extend the same opportunity to current students.”
Nash holds both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in food science from A&M and currently works as a Food Safety and Quality Engineer at General Mills’ Covington, Georgia plant. Hester, earned her master’s degree and Ph.D. in Food Science at A&M and is co-founder of G-Works Venture Studios, a product development initiative within General Mills.
During their visit, Nash and Hester spoke with students in the Department of Food and Animal Sciences about internships, career opportunities, and the significance of hands-on experience. They also reconnected with faculty, including Dr. Martha Verghese, Chair of the Department of Food and Animal Sciences and their graduate advisor.
“Alabama A&M is the only HBCU that General Mills currently visits for this internship program,” says Verghese. “Last year four students were offered internships.”
Hester and Nash say they return each year because General Mills can provide great opportunities for Alabama A&M’s food science program.
“Our goal is to identify promising interns for our Innovation, Technology, and Quality functions,” adds Nash. “We want A&M students to excel in their internships and ultimately receive full-time job offers.”
