Ifunanya Obinwanne is a Business Data analyst with a BSc in Economics from Crawford University and currently pursuing a master’s degree in Computer Information Systems and Business Analytics at West Texas A&M University. She has successfully applied her expertise in data to drive impactful business decisions. In this interview, Ifunanya who plays a key role at The Milk Booster, uses data analytics to optimize customer experiences and support breastfeeding advocacy.
Your career began in economics, and you’re now pursuing advanced studies in business analytics. How did this shift come about?
It’s been an interesting transition. I started my career as an economist, which gave me a strong understanding of financial systems and economic trends. However, as I progressed, I became fascinated by the role of data in driving business decisions. I realized that data wasn’t just numbers—it was a story waiting to be told. This curiosity led me to pursue a master’s in computer information systems and business Analytics. This shift was driven by the realization that data can uncover insights that traditional economics might overlook. With the growing importance of technology and analytics, I felt it was the perfect time to expand my skill set to stay relevant in this rapidly evolving landscape.
That’s a fascinating blend of disciplines! How has your academic journey complemented your work with The Milk Booster?
My studies have been incredibly relevant to my work with The Milk Booster. The company is deeply involved in promoting breastfeeding, offering lactogenic products, and providing support to mothers. By applying the analytical techniques I’ve learned, I’ve been able to extract and interpret data to guide business decisions, particularly in understanding customer behavior and improving product offerings. For instance, using data analytics, I helped the company analyze feedback from our lactogenic cookies and granola products. By diving into the data, we were able to identify which products were most effective for different customer demographics and how we could optimize our offerings based on this feedback. This not only enhanced customer satisfaction but also boosted the company’s growth and market presence.
It’s impressive how you’ve used data to drive The Milk Booster’s mission forward. You’ve also played a key role in organizing the company’s yearly Breastfeeding Week event. Can you tell us more about that?
Organizing the Breastfeeding Week event has been one of my most fulfilling experiences. In 2021, I led the planning and execution of the event, ensuring that we reached a wider audience than ever before. I and my team organized Breastfeeding Walks, where mothers, healthcare professionals, and advocates came together to raise awareness about breastfeeding and its importance for both mothers and infants. Data played a crucial role in this process as well. I analyzed past event data to determine the most effective strategies for community engagement, increasing turnout and participation. It was a great success and seeing the impact it had on both the attendees and the broader community was incredibly rewarding. Leading the walks, especially, gave me a chance to directly connect with mothers and hear their stories, which further fueled my commitment to supporting breastfeeding advocacy.
How did your remote work setup impact your role and responsibilities with The Milk Booster while pursuing your master’s?
Working remotely from the U.S. while pursuing my master’s has been a balancing act, but a fulfilling one. The flexibility of remote work allowed me to contribute to The Milk Booster in real-time, no matter the distance. I was able to collaborate with the team back in Nigeria, using digital tools to stay connected and ensure the smooth execution of projects. My academic work, especially in data analytics, has had direct applications in my day-to-day role with The Milk Booster. For example, I used data visualization tools and techniques I was learning in my coursework to analyze sales data, customer engagement, and event outcomes, giving the company more precise insights into areas we needed to improve or expand.
It’s clear that you’ve found a way to integrate your studies with your professional work seamlessly. What have been the key takeaways from this experience so far, especially regarding the use of data in healthcare?
One of my biggest takeaways is the immense potential that data holds in transforming healthcare. In my work with The Milk Booster, data has helped us understand not only our customers’ needs but also the broader healthcare trends related to breastfeeding. By leveraging data, I have been able to create more targeted health interventions, which is something I’m particularly proud of. I’ve come to appreciate how data can guide decision-making in ways that truly impact people’s lives. It’s not just about business success—it’s about using insights to improve health outcomes for mothers and babies. This realization has shaped my future aspirations, and I’m excited about the potential for data-driven solutions in the broader healthcare industry.
Looking ahead, what are your goals for the future, both with The Milk Booster and in your broader career
Looking forward, my goal is to continue leveraging data to make a difference in diverse industries especially in the healthcare sector. The Milk Booster’s mission is close to my heart, and I’m committed to supporting its growth as we expand into new markets, particularly in the U.S. I believe that the insights we gain through data can help us reach even more mothers and improve breastfeeding outcomes on a larger scale. On a personal level, I’m also excited about the opportunities that my master’s in computer information systems and business Analytics will open. I’m focused on deepening my expertise in data analytics and applying it in ways that drive innovation. Whether it’s improving products, optimizing operations, or shaping policies, I want to be at the forefront of using data to create meaningful change.
