Lizzy Isgar moved across the U.S. to attend UGA and has racked up an impressive resume with honors, scholarships, internships and international education, with all of that leading to pursuing her passion about revolutionizing the way people consume food.
Hometown:
Los Angeles, CA
High school:
Windward School
Current employment:
Merchandising intern — category management for US Foods based in Rosemont, IL (now working remotely in Athens)
Family ties to UGA:
First person in my family to venture out to the Southeast United States or attend UGA! In fact, my first time ever visiting the state of Georgia is when I toured UGA and knew it would one day be my future home.
Expected graduation:
Spring 2018
Degree objective:
BSA, Food Industry Marketing and Administration
Other degrees:
Minor in Spanish; Certificate in Entrepreneurship
University highlights, achievements, awards and scholarships:
Highlights:
— President, Georgia Recruitment Team (Office of Undergraduate Admissions)
— UGA Club Tennis Team (competing in sanctioned singles and doubles tournaments)
— Member, Gamma Phi Beta Sorority (volunteering with Girls on the Run International)
— Cheering on the Dawgs between the hedges in Sanford Stadium
Achievements:
— Winner, UGA FABricate Entrepreneurship Competition
— Participant, Southern Agricultural Economics Association Quiz Bowl
— Student Representative, The NY Produce Show and Conference
Study Abroad:
— Cortona, Italy (viticulture and enology)
— Valencia, Spain (Spanish literature and composition)
— San Luis de Monteverde, Costa Rica (Coffee: From Bean to Cup)
Internships:
— Merchandising intern — category management, US Foods
— Student partner/liaison, UGA Food Services
— Corporate marketing intern, Wolfgang Puck Catering
— Marketing and operations intern, Playa Vista Farmers Market
Awards:
— University of Georgia dean’s list
— Order of Omega
— Southeast Produce Council STAR student (Southeast Top Agricultural Recruit)
Scholarships:
— Southeast Produce Council Scholarship
— University of Georgia Classic Scholars Award
— Firor Memorial Scholarship
— Cordelia Anne Ellis Scholarship
— Georgia Farm Credits Association Scholarship
— Harold and Celestia Loden International Travel Scholarship
I chose to attend UGA because …
… of the university’s prestigious academic programs in food science and nutrition. In addition to a renowned academic reputation, I wanted a true college experience including a small college town, excellent sports teams and numerous ways to get involved. Ultimately, I wanted to be at a school with a rich history and tradition where students are proud to attend. Receiving an academic scholarship turned this dream into a reality for me.
My favorite things to do on campus are …
— Play tennis at the intramural courts.
— Participate on student panels and give campus tours to prospective students with the Georgia Recruitment Team.
— Cheer on the Dawgs at UGA sporting events.
— Listen to guest speakers on campus through the Entrepreneurship Speaker Series.
— Attend Shabbat dinners at Hillel and Chabad
When I have free time, I like …
Free time? What free time?
I do enjoy attending concerts at the Georgia Theatre. It is truly amazing to see such big name acts come through a small town like Athens. My favorite so far has been watching The Revivalists perform live!
I am an exercise enthusiast and love finding new jogging trails locally and participating in workout classes at Ramsey (Vinyassa Yoga is my go to).
Finally, the food scene in Athens is truly second to none. I enjoy trying new restaurants and visiting the local farmers market whenever I have the opportunity.
The craziest thing I’ve done is …
… move 2,200 miles across the United States to attend college in a place I had no family or friends and had never spent an extended period of time prior. This turned out to be the best decision I have ever made.
The craziest thing I have ever done as a student at UGA would be choosing to tour a slaughterhouse during my spring break last year as part of an academic trip exploring Georgia agriculture. While difficult to compare to spending spring break on the beach as many of my friends did, this type of experiential learning outside of the classroom is truly what has prepared me for the type of career I intend to pursue and sets the academic opportunities available at UGA apart from those of other institutions.
My favorite place to study is …
… Miller Learning Center fourth floor with view of Sanford Stadium — it’s quiet plus I’m never too far from grabbing a cup of coffee from Jittery Joe’s in the building!
My favorite professor is …
This is a tough one because I truly have been so fortunate to learn from professors both inside and outside of the classroom who have shaped my experience at UGA.
However, the most influential professor I have encountered during my time as a college student is Dr. Joshua Berning, an associate professor of applied economics in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. Dr. Berning not only introduced me to the field of food business and my current major during my First-Year Odyssey Seminar, but would later become my mentor for UGA’s FABricate Entrepreneurship Competition and advisor for various experiential learning opportunities such as a trip to the NY Produce Show and Conference in NYC.
If I could share an afternoon with anyone, I would love to share it with …
… Malcolm Gladwell, renowned social scientist, author and speaker. I first became acquainted with Gladwell’s work when a tennis coach introduced me to his book, “Outliers,” many years ago. Since then, I have become fascinated by the way he examines how and why people behave the way they do, and the implications these behaviors have in business, relationships and global phenomena.
If I knew I could not fail, I would …
… devote all of my time to revolutionizing the way people eat food through technology by expanding my business, Fresco Restaurant Reservations, throughout college towns in the Southeast U.S. Ideally, this pursuit would be the start of one of many successful entrepreneurial business ventures for me.
If money was not a consideration, I would love to …
… travel the world researching ways to combat hunger and malnutrition in low income communities.
What is your passion and how are you committed to pursuing it?
… I am passionate about revolutionizing the way people consume food though innovation in agricultural procurement, supply chain and marketing. I am committed to pursuing this goal by learning as much as I can about both food science and business. Additionally, I have pursued various internships within the food industry, researched coffee and wine production abroad, and regularly attend professional conferences with industry leaders.
After graduation, I plan to …
… attend Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business where I will be pursuing my master’s degree in management studies! I look forward to working in a marketing or management position with a major food corporation upon graduation. Furthermore, I would love to explore corporate social responsibility as it relates to the food industry.
The one UGA experience I will always remember will be …
… Calling the Dawgs (my favorite UGA tradition) from my dormitory balcony in Valencia, Spain, with all of my study abroad classmates. The most amazing part about this experience was not the bond we formed with each other during this remarkable adventure, but the fact that complete strangers passing by in the street joined in our chanting with us as we expressed our pride for the university. In that moment, I realized that UGA’s reputation spreads far and wide across continents and that I have a unique privilege to be part of something truly bigger than myself as a Bulldawg.