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Poonam Heda
Category Manager - IIM Ahmedabad - UBC Canada - NIT Rourkela
Professional Background
Poonam Heda is a dynamic and motivated individual who currently excels as a Category Manager at FreshVnF, where she showcases her expertise in the food and agribusiness sector. Known for her ability to apply knowledge gained from rigorous education and varied work experiences to tackle real-world challenges, Poonam has established a robust foundation in food processing and resource economics through both academic and industry engagements.
Before her current role, Poonam accumulated valuable experience through various internships, where she significantly contributed to team dynamics and project outcomes. Her tenure as a Management Intern - Commercial at Archer Daniels Midland Company and as a Project Intern at Grow Indigo Pvt. Ltd. allowed her to deepen her understanding of the food supply chain and commercial strategies within the agriculture sector. Additionally, her experience in sensory evaluation during her internship at Equinox Labs honed her analytical skills, particularly in product testing and consumer preferences.
Poonam's dedication to her field extends beyond her professional roles; she has also taken on leadership responsibilities during her academic tenure at the National Institute of Technology, Rourkela. As the Student Placement Coordinator, she played a pivotal role in guiding her peers towards successful internships and job placements, while also contributing to various extracurricular activities that foster community and collaboration among students.
Education and Achievements
Poonam's educational journey is marked by a dedication to excellence and a passion for the food and agriculture fields. She holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Food and Agri-Business Management from the prestigious Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad, a program renowned for cultivating future leaders in the agribusiness sector. This advanced degree equipped her with comprehensive management skills and strategic insights necessary for navigating the complexities of the agricultural market.
Prior to earning her MBA, Poonam completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Food Processing Honours at the National Institute of Technology, Rourkela. Here, she not only engaged in in-depth theoretical learning but also participated in various projects that applied her coursework to practical scenarios. Her academic performance here was further distinguished by her role as Secretary of the Pantomime and Management Lead for the NIT Conclave, positions that developed her leadership, organizational, and collaborative skills.
Moreover, Poonam has broadened her academic horizons through an Exchange Program in Food and Resource Economics at UBC Master of Food and Resource Economics (MFRE), where she gained an international perspective on resource management and food economics. Her foundational education also includes a strong background in the sciences, having excelled in High School with a focus on English Language and Literature, Mathematics, Chemistry, and Physics.
Achievements
Poonam’s multifaceted achievements demonstrate her commitment to her personal and professional growth. During her academic career, she achieved an impressive score of 85.2% on her CBSE exams at the Central Academy in Kota and a remarkable 10 CGPA at the School of Scholars, showcasing her strong analytical and problem-solving skills. These academic accolades reflect her perseverance and dedication to developing a robust understanding of the scientific and managerial aspects of food processing and entrepreneurship.
Her leadership roles, including the Central Coordinator for the Multi-Ethnic Festival at NIT Rourkela, are a testament to her capability to lead a diverse group towards common goals, enhancing the cultural fabric of her institution. Furthermore, her engagement as a Management Lead during the NIT Conclave not only emphasized her organizational skills but also served to further her vision of fostering a collaborative environment within her academic community.
Overall, Poonam Heda stands out as an industrious professional in the food and agribusiness sector. Her educational background coupled with her diverse internships and leadership experiences collectively empower her to contribute significantly to her field. As she continues to seek out new challenges, Poonam remains excited about leveraging her skills to address pressing agricultural issues and enhance food systems globally.