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Katy Barfield
Founder & CEO at Yume Food Australia ∙ Food Waste Warrior ∙ Award Winning Female Founder ∙ Circular Economy Ambassador ∙ FoodTech Expert ∙ Food System Disruptor ∙ Not For Profit Leader ∙ Board Member & Government Advisor
Professional Background
Katy Barfield is a dedicated advocate and visionary leader in the field of food sustainability, known widely for her impactful work as a Food Waste Warrior. With over 15 years of experience, she has designed and implemented innovative solutions that address market imbalances contributing to food waste and loss. Her entrepreneurial spirit founded Yume, Australia's first online marketplace for surplus food, where suppliers with excess products can connect with businesses in need, thereby reducing waste while supporting farmers, primary producers, and manufacturers.
Under Katy's leadership, Yume has rapidly become a pioneering force in utilizing technology to transform the food industry. The platform's unique approach has not only made it possible to redirect surplus food to those who can use it but has also created a financial benefit for producers, thus ensuring that good food is consumed rather than discarded. Katy's vision goes beyond immediate solutions; she aims for Yume to prevent over 10,000,000 kilograms of food from going to waste over the next three years, a testament to her commitment to meaningful environmental change.
Her extensive expertise has positioned her as a thought leader, leading to invitations to speak at both local and international events. Katy regularly shares her entrepreneurial journey and discusses vital topics like the circular economy and gender equity in the business sector, particularly as a female founder in a primarily male-led industry. Additionally, she has actively collaborated with various industry bodies, academia, and government entities, playing an integral role in the development of the Australian Federal Food Waste Strategy.
Education and Achievements
Katy’s educational background includes prestigious studies at Stanford University Graduate School of Business and a Master of Arts from the London Arts Educational School, where she nurtured her passion for performing arts. This foundation has equipped her with unique skills that contribute to her successful entrepreneurial endeavors. A noted advocate for innovation and sustainability, Katy has been recognized with numerous accolades for her work. She was named in the Australian Financial Review's Women of Influence in 2019 and received the Telstra Women Awards in 2017, reflecting her influential role in encouraging sustainable practices within the food industry.
Personal Background
Katy's journey began in England, where she was fortunate to explore 13 countries before she turned 12. This early exposure to diverse cultures and cuisines has profoundly shaped her worldview and passion for food. As a proud mother of two boys, she aspires for them to grow up in a world that mirrors the beauty and diversity she experienced during her childhood. With her multifaceted interests, Katy also enjoys co-hosting radio shows and podcasts where she discusses vital topics close to her heart, including food waste, sustainability, and entrepreneurship.
