Sharon Wicker Popp (nutrition and food science, ’79) has nourished a lifelong connection to Colorado State University and the lessons she learned here. From her involvement in her sorority on campus and through her career, and now as an adviser for food-related venture capital projects and investment strategies, Wicker Popp has maintained her devotion to nutrition, networking, and CSU.
After earning her bachelor’s degree, Wicker Popp earned an MBA in marketing from Michigan State University. She is a sports enthusiast, still closely following CSU Rams athletics. Wicker Popp has supported numerous initiatives at CSU, including athletics facilities and a scholarship in the College of Agricultural Sciences.
How did you choose to attend CSU?
I grew up right outside of Fort Collins in the Timnath area. My father was a farmer/cattle rancher in that area. I chose CSU because it was close to home, a good school (and good value!) and had academic programs that I was interested in.
Why did you pick food science and nutrition for your field of study?
I was initially interested in pursuing a degree in fashion merchandising. However, after taking a required general course in human nutrition, it piqued my interest, and I ended up changing my major to food science and nutrition. I was always more interested in pursuing studies in human nutrition than food science.
Tell us about your career path.
After graduating from CSU, I accepted a position as a national leadership consultant with my sorority, Chi Omega. This was a great opportunity for me to give back to an organization that meant a lot to me and gave me the chance to travel the U.S. while building on my leadership and interpersonal skills. After spending four years with Chi Omega, I realized that pursuing a career in general business/marketing would be a better fit for me than returning to get an M.S. in nutrition/dietetics. However, I remained very interested in the food industry.
How did your CSU degree and experience influence your career?
My time at CSU, and in the Food Science and Nutrition Program, taught me great discipline and how to become a more critical thinker while also teaching me the importance of curiosity in exploring my academic interests. And as with any science-based degree, it taught me to be very analytical in thinking through challenges and problems.
What advice do you have for students looking to join your field?
Be curious, explore, and network to learn about others’ experiences and opportunities that fit (or don’t fit) with your interests.
What has motivated you to give back to CSU?
I greatly appreciate the opportunities CSU gave me to pursue my career by investing in me through scholarships and enabling service in leadership positions. This includes my time with Chi Omega, which has been very influential on my growth and development as a person and a leader.
What do you like to do in your spare time? How do you connect with your community?
At this point, I am mostly retired. I spend my time serving as an independent director for an early-stage biotech company, ExoPolymer, which is focused on developing novel ingredients through the use of innovative fermentation technology. Additionally, I am involved in supporting a Chicago-based private equity firm, Shore Capital Partners, in evolving its food/consumer products investment portfolio. Outside of that, I remain very involved as a national volunteer for Chi Omega, having served as a trustee for the Chi Omega Foundation.
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The Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition is part of CSU’s College of Health and Human Sciences.
