Student Spotlight
Sarela Herrada (WG25), Co-founder and Co-CEO, SIMPLi
Growing up in Lima, Peru on her family’s organic chicken farm, Sarela Herrada learned about the beauty of farming and developed a deep connection to the land. Yet, after joining the food industry, she quickly discovered the realities of the global food system, “exploitation of farmers, environmental harm, and lack of transparency.” Herrada’s experiences inspired her to co-found SIMPLi in 2020, alongside her husband, Matt Cohen.
SIMPLi is a regenerative organic food company that offers a range of Regenerative Organic Certified® products, like quinoa sourced directly from Indigenous farmers in Peru. Regenerative organic agriculture goes beyond regular organic farming by focusing on three pillars: soil health, animal welfare, and social fairness. “While organic farming avoids synthetic chemicals,” Herrada explains, “regenerative practices actively restore ecosystems, sequester carbon, and improve biodiversity.”
Currently a Wharton MBA student, Herrada is no newcomer to the food business. She spent almost 5 years leading Food and Beverage supply chain at national fast casual food chain, Cava. “My experiences before SIMPLi… highlighted the need for transparency, quality, and ethical sourcing, which became foundational principles for SIMPLi,” Herrada says. SIMPLi’s mission is not just to minimize harm in the food industry – it’s to create a positive impact on the environment and communities it collaborates with.
One of the biggest challenges Herrada faced when starting SIMPLi was building partnerships with farmers to create a fully vertically integrated supply chain. Now, however, this has become their greatest competitive advantage, allowing the company to “fully trace every ingredient, ensure its quality, and support regenerative practices.” By working directly with farmers, SIMPLi can also ensure that workers are being fairly compensated and treated.
The next great challenge Herrada is taking on? Building awareness about regenerative organic farming and its impact, especially among Gen Z. SIMPLi has already begun to build its brand name through partnerships with Whole Foods and Sweetgreen, which have helped amplify the mission and reach a broader audience. Herrada is confident that Gen Z will identify with SIMPLi’s mission, explaining, “Gen Z also highly values authenticity and transparency, two values SIMPLi is built upon.”
Herrada’s work has landed her on Inc.’s Female Founders 250 list as well as EY’s Entrepreneur of the Year and the Philadelphia Business Journal’s 40 under 40. Her ultimate goal is to “transform the global food system” through regenerative organic agriculture, with SIMPLi leading the charge.
Check Out SIMPLi Here