Two alumnae from Alabama A&M University returned to campus recently to recruit talented students for internships and careers at General Mills. Dawn Nash, a graduate of the classes of 2020 and 2021, along with Dr. Fredreana Hester, who earned her degrees in 2013 and 2016, visited as part of the company’s commitment to fostering new talent in the food science field.
This year marks Nash’s second consecutive visit to The Hill, while it is Hester’s third. Both women are dedicated to giving back to their alma mater and expressed a strong belief in the importance of mentorship and opportunity.
“It’s important to give back to my alma mater,” Nash said during a recent presentation to students in the Department of Food and Animal Sciences. “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.”
From AAMU students to General Mills Leaders
Nash holds both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in food science from AAMU and currently serves as a food safety and quality engineer at General Mills’ Covington, Georgia, plant. On the other hand, Hester is co-founder of G-Works Venture Studios, an initiative focused on product development within General Mills. She earned her master’s degree and Ph.D. in food science at AAMU.
During their visit, Nash and Hester engaged students about the various internships and career opportunities available within the company.They emphasized the importance of hands-on experience. They also took the time to reconnect with faculty members, including Dr. Martha Verghese, chair of the Department of Food and Animal Sciences.
“Alabama A&M is the only HBCU that General Mills currently visits for this internship program,” Verghese noted. “Last year four students were selected and all received full time offers.
Both Hester and Nash explained that their annual visits highlight General Mills’ commitment to providing opportunities for AAMU’s food science program. Nash further elaborated on the company’s goals. “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.”
