Description

Join us as we hear from industry experts about food and beverage manufacturing innovations. This special event will be held at the CSU SPUR Campus and includes a tour of the Terra Building after the panel. 

Panelists:

• Gila Kaplan - Co-Founder and Owner, Dar Chocolate
• Liz Palmer - Director of Operations, Allegro Coffee 
• Mike Bernier - Director of Sustainability, Swire Coca-Cola
• Michael Gabel - Director, CSU Food Innovation Center

Gila Kaplan - DAR Co-founder

Gila started out her professional career as an illustrator and graphic designer. For many years she worked in editorial illustrations for all major newspapers and magazines. Following the birth of her daughter Alma, she slowly but surely turned into a movement geek. A seasoned 5 Rhythms dancer, she also just earned her degree as a Certified Movement Analyst from the Laban-Bartenieff Movement Institute. When her path connected to cacao and chocolate, she incorporated her talent and experience in graphic design into the business. 

Gila is currently the Brand Manager, responsible for the visual identity, design, and marketing for the company.

Liz Palmer - Director of Manufacturing, Whole Foods Market

Liz Palmer is the Director of Manufacturing at Whole Foods Market. After earning her degree in Industrial Engineering, she has grown her career in food and beverage manufacturing at Nestle-Purina, Molson Coors and most recently at Whole Foods Market - Allegro Coffee Division. She is known for her strategic manufacturing leadership and breaking down barriers. Her aim is to promote diversity and creativity in long-term initiatives to ensure that each team member’s voice is heard. As a member of Women in Manufacturing and Society of Women Engineer’s mentor, she promotes the next generation of women in STEM.

Mike Bernier - Director of Sustainability, Swire Coca-Cola, USA

Michael Bernier is the Director of Sustainability for Swire Coca-Cola, USA, based in Draper, Utah. Since 2008, he has spearheaded the company's corporate sustainability initiatives. His key responsibilities include overseeing the company’s water stewardship program, climate commitments, and waste and packaging programs. Additionally, he serves on the board of the Colorado Circular Action Alliance. Under his leadership, Swire Coca-Cola, USA has emerged as a leader in sustainable development. Mr. Bernier holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Utah and brings 22 years of professional experience in operations management across the food, beverage, and dairy industries.

Michael Gabel - Director, CSU Food Innovation Center

Mike Gabel is the Director of the Food Innovation Center at CSU Spur. The goal is to support food innovators through value-added services, kitchen and processing facilities, and the creation of a space where ideas can prosper. Mike is a second-generation CSU grad in Food Science and Human Nutrition. After a master’s in food engineering from UC Davis, he started his 20-year career with roles in product development, quality systems, and strategy and portfolio management. He has led innovation teams at Windsor Foods, ConAgra Foods, and recently at Barilla, where he spent the last 5 years at their HQ in Parma, Italy.