| Tell us about your company: |
| PWR^UP is the first collagen protein powder that turns functional nutrition into something people trust and crave. Forget boring snacks. Forget empty calories. No artificial ingredients/preservatives. Protein powered cocoa powder you can eat right out of the bag. PWR^UP is your delicious upgrade. Dip it, sprinkle it, blend it, and scoop it. |
| What inspired you to start your business? |
| I am focused on solving one of the biggest problems in food: sugar overconsumption. PWR^UP’s mission is to reduce sugar overconsumption and improve metabolic health outcomes by creating accessible, delicious, and nutrient-dense foods. Excessive sugar intake contributes to obesity, diabetes, and other chronic health conditions, with healthful nutrition. Busy families, in particular, struggle to find convenient options that deliver both taste and functional health benefits. Each serving provides 9 grams of grass-fed collagen peptides, clinically proven to nourish your body from the inside out. |
| What are your proudest achievements so far? |
| I’m most proud of the quality of work that’s come out of years of product development. It really feels like that idea of “when preparation meets opportunity.” There’s been a lot of preparation—years of learning, building, and refining—and now so much of it comes naturally. When opportunity shows up, I’m ready to recognize it and act on it. What excites me most is that all of this is leading to something bigger than myself. My goal is to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives, specifically helping reduce diabetes by creating products that lower sugar and increase protein in a way that’s practical and versatile for everyday life. Looking back, it’s incredible to see the journey. I went from working on a fruit and vegetable farm, studying horticulture at Michigan State to designing UPC products that have been sold in over 40,000 retail stores. I’m especially proud of staying true to where I came from—a farm girl from Michigan who grew up in a big family, working hard and eating healthy. Those roots shaped everything, and they continue to guide the work I do today. At the core, I’m proud that I’ve stayed grounded in those values while building something that has the potential to make a real difference. |
| What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs: |
| Always know your numbers. That’s number one. |
| Please share a memory or thought about your alma mater: |
| So many great memories come to mind when I think about my alma mater. The campus itself was beautiful—one of those places that instantly felt like home the moment you arrived. Walking those paths between classes, especially in the fall, is something I’ll always carry with me. Beyond the setting, it was an incredible place to learn. The education I received challenged me, shaped my perspective, and gave me a strong foundation for everything that followed. But what truly made the experience unforgettable were the people. The friendships I built there have lasted a lifetime—friends who started as classmates and became family. And of course, there were the football games. The energy, the traditions, the sense of community—those Saturdays brought everyone together in a way that was truly special. Looking back, it wasn’t just a place I went to school; it was a place that helped define who I am. |
Alumni Emporium 