There’s 'Mushroom' (Much Room) for Everyone: Food as a Bridge for Global Connection

From Global Affairs to Gourmet: An Unforeseen Path to Food Manufacturing

I never imagined my life unfolding the way it has. I went to diplomacy school, and like many pursuing international relations, I assumed my path would lead me to a role within my government or an international body like the United Nations. Entrepreneurship was never on my radar as a route to diplomacy—let alone the idea that I would one day be running a food manufacturing company. And yet, here I am, having started in tech, only to find myself simultaneously building a food enterprise rooted in impact and innovation.

The tech company was easier to comprehend—it aligned more directly with the globalization and digital transformation efforts to promote economic development I studied. But on the onset of the pandemic, an unexpected turn led my family and me to create a mushroom burger, which we ushered into the marketplace by establishing a manufacturing facility in Eastern Market. At first glance, food production seemed so far removed from diplomacy—until, well, it wasn’t.

Demoing with husband Dominique at Eastern Market, Detroit

From Policy to Plate

Diplomacy is essential when engaging with customers from all walks of life, each with distinct taste preferences and cultural backgrounds. Convincing someone to try a product from a local, unknown brand that champions whole foods over the high-processed, widely available options is a delicate negotiation. It requires tact, understanding, and the ability to navigate human perceptions—skills that are core to diplomacy.

Beyond that, I’ve learned firsthand how diplomacy plays a critical role in managing the internal and external responsibilities of running a business. As a mother of three young children and a wife of almost 12 years, balancing the demands of entrepreneurship while maintaining personal commitments has tested my ability to negotiate, problem-solve, and communicate effectively. Whether it’s navigating regulatory policies, dealing with suppliers, or collaborating with other business owners, diplomacy has been key to my ability to lead and grow The Mushroom Angel Company.

Citizen Diplomacy: A Power Beyond Titles

This journey has reinforced my belief in the power of citizen diplomacy—the idea that you don’t need an official title to influence global affairs. Instead, your ability to labor through life’s challenges, engage with different communities, and create opportunities for others can be just as impactful. Regardless of what’s happening in the world, we all have a role to play in shaping it.

Scaling The Mushroom Angel Company has been a challenge, but I, alongside my husband Dominique and team, remain committed to spreading the “good gospel” of mushrooms. It's just a matter of time.

What we know for sure is that mushrooms address challenges around climate change, food insecurity, and the mobilization of farmers to grow a commodity that can be transformed into a value-added product. We also know customers love our products—meat lovers and non-meat eaters alike.

Performing a 90 second pitch at a business competition

We’re doing all the things: pitching at business competitions, hosting in-store demos, joining webinars to engage potential new buyers, and attending food shows. While we haven’t yet reached our goals, we will labor with the vision because we know that in due time, it will have provisions.

If you are a buyer or know of a buyer interested in a product like ours (we offer Mushroom Burgers and Mushroom Ground and scaling to release more products), please connect with us at [email protected] or visit www.themushroomangel.com.

We are creating an opportunity for all people to come together—because, as I often say, there’s mushroom (much room) for you.

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