Michelle’s love for skydiving began with what she thought would be a one-time experience. She casually mentioned her interest in skydiving among friends, which led her to meet a roommate who was an avid skydiver. With his help, she embarked on her first jump, a life-changing event that transformed her initial curiosity into a profound passion.

Michelle urged everyone to go diving at least once, describing her first dive as an event that would never be forgotten. “It’s not what you would anticipate”, she said. “You won’t regret trying it, whether you give it a try once and decide it’s not really for you, or if you give it a try and it completely changes the course of your life like it did for me.” Not only did this dive change her viewpoint, but it also introduced her to her future spouse, opening the door to a world of new experiences and pursuits.

Her newfound passion for jumping swiftly turned into a career. Michelle wanted to be a professional skydiver and was inspired by a videographer she met on her first trip. She promised herself that she would obtain the required licenses, beginning with her A license and working her way up to her D license, which calls for 500 jumps and additional ground training. After her intense training, she was able to record the thrilling moments of first-time skydivers as a freefall videographer.

“I charged the necessary funds to get me capable of flying video,” she recalled. Michelle talked about the particular difficulties of this job, like having to use a mouth-operated switch to take pictures and wear a helmet that holds large DSLRs. She enjoyed the chance to record the happiness and excitement of people who were jumping for the first time, despite these difficulties.

Beyond skydiving, Michelle expanded her skills as an SDU (Skydive University) coach, helping others hone their skills and achieve their skydiving licenses. She also worked as an IBA (International Body Flight Association) flight instructor in wind tunnels, further cementing her expertise in the field.

In addition to her skydiving career, Michelle’s creative spirit led her to establish Captured Sky. This innovative project stemmed from her desire to create tangible mementos from the sky. “I wanted something I could hold, like a seashell from a beach or a stone from a mountain, to connect more intimately with that place,” she explained. Using canvases rigged with industrial-strength Velcro and paints released in freefall, Michelle created unique artworks that encapsulate the essence of the sky.

Michelle’s adventures did not end with her skydiving and artwork. She was motivated to address disparities in nursing practices by her experiences as a mother of four and the difficulties she encountered when breastfeeding. She talked about how having a C-section left her feeling desperate to feed her child organically and how difficult it was for her to establish breastfeeding after that. Michelle, an avid researcher, was caught off guard by the challenges of nursing and began pumping frantically, leading her to a surplus in expressed milk.

Determined not to waste this valuable resource, Michelle turned to social media to offer her extra milk to other mothers in need. The overwhelming response she received highlighted the widespread demand for donor milk. This realization prompted her to develop a virtual SaaS solution aimed at helping women produce enough milk or access donor milk, ensuring that all children can receive the recommended amounts of human milk.

“If women receive the appropriate support, combining healthcare, community, and family settings, they are five to ten times more likely to achieve sufficient lactation for their baby’s best developmental outcomes and their own,” she explained.

Michelle identified common barriers women face in producing enough milk, including lack of education and support. “With proper education and support, we can create a healthier community for everyone,” she emphasized. Human milk offers numerous health benefits for both babies and mothers, including reduced risks of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and more.

Her startup is currently in the validation and fundrasing stage, with extensive research and market outreach completed. Despite the demand for donor milk, there is a significant supply gap. “Currently, 84% of children are switched to formula before six months of age, despite health recommendations for exclusive breast milk for at least six months,” Michelle noted. This reliance on formula has detrimental environmental impacts, contributing significantly to CO2 emissions and water usage.

To address these issues, Michelle advocates for a network of care that includes healthcare providers, the community, and families. “When everyone is on the same page regarding lactation practices, it becomes much more attainable and achievable,” she said. For women unable to provide milk due to biological or traumatic reasons, community support is crucial.

In addition, Michelle advocates for legislation; she is a supporter of the Access to Donor Milk Act, which attempts to strengthen the country’s pasteurized donor human milk infrastructure. In NICUs, where preterm children are highly vulnerable in the absence of donor milk, this legislation is essential for guaranteeing the availability and safety of donor milk.

Moving forward, Michelle’s goal is to launch her SaaS platform, providing features like a “My Milk Week by Week” update for parents, similar to Baby Center’s updates for baby development. This feature will educate parents on the changes in breast milk over time, highlighting its unique benefits, such as its antimicrobial properties and its role in developing a healthy microbiome in babies.

Michelle Nirumandrad’s journey from skydiving to addressing lactation inequities showcases how personal experiences and passions can drive significant societal change. Her dedication to improving lactation practices and her innovative approach to creating tangible memories from the sky serve as an inspiration for others to follow their passions and make a difference.