Food Advocacy
“Michele Simon is a powerhouse in the plant-based food world. Not only is she a proven leader and visionary, her deep knowledge of journalism, media, and the law is unparalleled. She’s one of the top minds in the plant-based foods industry, and the person to turn to when you want things done.”
— Colleen Holland, Publisher & Co-founder of VegNews —
“I have known Michele for many years and have worked with her in several organizations. Michele has a strong sense of justice and understands how parties sometimes arrive at different conclusions about what's right or fair. She listens carefully to people who feel they have not been heard before and can advocate strongly for them while helping an organization improve policies and procedures that can help alleviate such issues in the future.”
— Miyoko Schinner, vegan chef and founder of Miyoko’s —
“Michele Simon’s track record in media and communications speaks for itself. She has been a go-to source time and again for leading journalists and media outlets reporting on the intersections of food, sustainability, climate change, and the burgeoning plant-based sector. Her clear, convincing, and forward-thinking communications expertise has ensured she is among the first to be quoted on many stories that are now ubiquitous in the media.”
— Ryan Fletcher, Owner & Director of Movement Media / Global Director of Public Relations at Dr. Bronner’s —
“Michele Simon has a pulse on the critical times we are living in and speaks truth to power. Michele uncovers sexism and racism in the food system, plant-based food industry, policy, and the world of social impact investing, and offers refreshing insights and restorative solutions to professionals and entrepreneurs leading the next inclusive and regenerative economy with joy, integrity, and equity.”
— Kai B. Nortey, CEO/Co-Founder kubé —
“In the world of food reporting, where puff pieces are as common as Wonder Bread, Michele Simon is a rare and fearless voice. For over two decades, she has tenaciously investigated and documented major scandals in the food industry. She has the gift of a storyteller, a passion for justice and a knack for breaking news. She is a genuine citizen hero.”
— Gary Ruskin, Executive Director, U.S. Right to Know —
“Michele Simon has been an incredible friend, colleague, and mentor to me, championing the need for progressive and sustainable food policy. Her passion and integrity are powered by her knowledge and understanding and vision for a better future.”
— Daniel Nicholson, President & CEO, NadaMoo! —
“Michele Simon’s decades of leadership experience is invaluable. There are multiple aspects of nonprofit management that can steer us away from the actual work we intend to do, and I'm grateful for experienced leaders such as Michele supporting our work.”
— Monica Chen, Executive Director, New Roots Institute —
“Michele Simon is a terrific speaker. She is clear, organized, and provocative. If you want groups talking up a storm afterwards, she’s the one.”
— Marion Nestle, Author & Professor, New York University —
“Michele Simon is a dynamic, engaging, and informative speaker. Her knowledge of food policy is second to none, and her presentations make what could be a dry topic accessible and entertaining. I can’t recommend Michele highly enough.”
— Josh Golin, Executive Director, Fair Play —
“Michele Simon has been a trusted colleague of mine for many years. I’ve long admired her integrity, her strategic thinking, and her ability to communicate even complex concepts clearly and succinctly. She is a wonderful writer, and a terrific speaker. It’s always a pleasure to work with her.”
— Susan Linn, Ed.D., Founder, Fairplay (formerly Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood) —
“With national attention riveted on our food and health crisis, audiences want to hear from credible, clear-headed, and independent experts. There aren’t many, but Michele Simon fits the bill. Her book, Appetite for Profit, is groundbreaking and made Simon the go-to source for fresh, hard-hitting, penetrating analysis of what’s wrong and what we all can do. I continue to learn from her work and highly recommend her as a speaker.”
— Frances Moore Lappe, Author —
“Michele brings a creative, multi-faceted approach to problem solving and advancing her clients’ interests. She has a wide variety of tools in her toolbox given her knowledge and experience with public policy, law, and public relations, as well as her extensive network of contacts in media, the food industry, and food policy. I appreciate Michele’s keen ability to look beyond the surface issue to recognize the politics and power dynamics at play.”
— Lauren Handel, Principal Attorney, Handel Food Law —