Julie Smolyansky

Julie Smolyansky became the youngest female CEO of a publicly held firm when she took over Lifeway Foods at the age of 27 in 2002.

Since then, she has continued the company’s growth trajectory with creative product development and marketing to bring kefir, the company’s flagship product, into the U.S. mainstream.

Under her leadership, the company has expanded distribution throughout the United States, Mexico, the UK, and Ireland, as well as portions of Central and South America and the Caribbean.

Named to Fortune Business ‘40 under 40,’ Fortune’s 55 Most Influential Women on Twitter, as one of the Best Instagrammers of the 40 Under 40 list, and was recently named a 2020 Champion of Wellness by VeryWell.

Julie Smolyansky | Entrepreneur Leadership

Julie is a graduate with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago. An emeritus member of the United Nations Foundation Global Entrepreneurs Council and was part of the 2015 class of Young Global Leaders of the World Economic Forum.

She has produced several documentaries, including “The Homestretch,” “Honor Diaries,” “The Hunting Ground” and most recently, “On the Record.”

In 2013 Julie Smolyansky co‐founded a non‐profit, Test400k, an organization dedicated to advocating ending the backlog of 400,000 untested rape kits in the United States. She released her first book, The Kefir Cookbook: An Ancient Healing Superfood for Modern Life, Recipes from My Family Table and Around the World in March of 2018. 

Julie Smolyansky stands as an exemplary figure in both the corporate and advocacy realms. As the CEO of Lifeway Foods, she not only successfully steered the company to new heights but also played a pivotal role in popularizing probiotics and kefir in the United States. Her commitment to health and wellness, coupled with a dedication to sustainability and community engagement, has set a standard for socially responsible business practices.

Beyond her achievements in the corporate world, Julie’s passion for social justice and women’s empowerment is palpable. Her fearless advocacy on issues ranging from women’s rights to refugee support has demonstrated her unwavering commitment to making a positive impact on society. Through her various initiatives and leadership roles, Julie has shown that businesses can and should be forces for positive change in the world.

Julie Smolyansky’s journey is a testament to the power of determination, vision, and a strong sense of purpose. Her remarkable career trajectory, from inheriting a family business to transforming it into a global brand, reflects her leadership acumen and innovation. Furthermore, her tireless efforts to uplift women, refugees, and underserved communities reflect a deep sense of empathy and social responsibility.

In a world where business success and social consciousness often seem at odds, Julie Smolyansky has demonstrated that they can coexist harmoniously. Her legacy serves as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs, activists, and advocates alike, reminding us that it’s possible to create businesses that not only thrive economically but also contribute meaningfully to the betterment of society.

Julie Smolyansky’s impact on the worlds of business and advocacy is a testament to the profound influence one individual can have when guided by a strong sense of purpose and a commitment to positive change.

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