What is your current job?
Founder and CEO of Mila's Keeper, a company that provides by creating and selling breast milk storage bottles and coolers to enable women to provide for their children while working or traveling.
Describe your work and why you find it rewarding/challenging.
I have spent my entire career focused on health, the majority of it at UNICEF, where I focused on establishing public-private partnerships. Because I am dedicated to the belief that as a company, you can do well by doing good, I decided to venture on my own to launch Mila's Keeper, a benefit corporation that focuses on empowering moms to thrive while breastfeeding with modern, eco-friendly tools. I find it extremely rewarding to be able to make an impact on the most cost-effective lifesaving interventions in children’s health by inventing a solution that addresses a pain point for moms that ultimately can be detrimental to their breastfeeding journey.
I find it extremely rewarding to be able to make an impact on the most cost-effective lifesaving interventions in children’s health by inventing a solution that addresses a pain point for moms that ultimately can be detrimental to their breastfeeding journey.
Lara Vu
How did YSPH prepare you for your current work?
YSPH launched my passion to work in global health, and helped me become brave enough to go overseas alone, to conduct research, and be confident that I could make an impact in women and children's lives.
Were there any faculty/staff mentors who influenced your YSPH experience?
Yes. [The late] Dr. Lowell Levin (MPH ’60) and Dr. Ilona Kickbush (World Health Organization advisor 1991-98; led YSPH’s Global Health program 1998-2004) both gave me the guidance and opportunity to dive into global health to pursue my career dreams.
Do you have a favorite YSPH experience you can share?
There was not just one, but many favorite YSPH experiences. Gaining a community of like-minded friends and colleagues is truly one of the most invaluable things I have ever gained from any educational experience. My colleagues gave me the confidence and supportive network I needed to launch my global health career.
What advice do you have for current YSPH students?
I would advise students to really take advantage of the community that Yale has to offer. Reach out to alumni for informational interviews and internships. It really is so invaluable. And finally, have fun! Go to the football games, even if you don't like football. Go to Toad’s Place and walk around campus as much as you can. Also, explore nearby states like Vermont and New York. Yale is in an amazing location!