NEEDED®

MEET THE FOUNDERS

Julie Sawaya

I grew up in a family of medical doctors including my dad, an MD who was diagnosed with diabetes when I was 5. I learned at a young age the power of nutrition to influence our health-and how under-emphasized nutrition is in our current medical system. I set out to change that, studying the problem of unequal access to quality nutrition, and later training as a nutritionist myself. I am passionate about championing nutrition as the way to our health, especially as women in the perinatal stage. We have the power to create a multi-generational impact. My passion for our mission has only grown since giving birth to my two daughters and experiencing the ups and downs of fertility, pregnancy, and motherhood myself.

Ryan Woodbury

My interest in nutrition and health grew out of my interest in the environment. As a young girl in California, I started volunteering at a local aquarium, leading educational tours to teach kids about marine science and environmental advocacy. It was clear to me, even then, that our health as humans is directly connected to the health of our environment. Advocating for broader awareness of the human and environmental health connection has carried through much of my life. I believe fundamentally that nourishing mamas will directly support nourished communities and a nourished planet.