How have you helped improve organizations you’ve been a part of? 

For our almost century-old family dairy to survive and thrive in a continual environment of disruption like we have experienced over the years, it requires a combination of grit, sound strategy, creativity, boldness and the grace to begin again when things aren’t working. I hold those experiences close as I navigate leading and serving in our business, the dairy industry and in our community. A few years ago, national milk consumption was beginning to decline, and I helped develop and propose a very unique, hard-hitting consumer campaign for our marketing dairy industry board, promoting milk as the key for performance and nutrition. The board implemented the recommendation, and the results showed sales growth along with positive consumer attitudes.  

What motivates you? 

I am inspired to live intentionally by my niece, nephews, their young families and by my faith, which gives my life purpose. I have always been influenced by the culture of our family dairy, where the underlying theme behind our work and everything we make has an uncompromising focus on excellence. We regularly receive unsolicited feedback from our fans, which makes our work feel a little like packaging up happiness. That’s why I do what I do. 

Is there a memory or experience from your formative years that continues to influence your approach to life? 

As a part of a college assignment, I had to compose a series of journal entries about what I wanted to do with my life. I wrote that no matter what my career choice ended up being (I had a liberal arts degree), I wanted to live out my faith and make a difference. I wrote about my inadequacies and my fears, ending with the promise to live with purpose, grounded in faith. I’ve thought about that assignment many times since, and although I still have much to accomplish, it is a good barometer for living intentionally. 

What piece of advice would you give to others who hope to make a difference in their communities?

Figure out what your personal area of genius is and use it. Your individual strengths, gifts and passions fuel others and our communities. Find a place where your own unique contributions help move things forward. Work hard, and enjoy the people you meet and learn from during the journey.

Tell us about a time you failed (or at least you did from your own perception). 

Actually, my life has been one big continual improvement project! In my role at AE Dairy, I have often been responsible for driving innovation and consumer-based strategies, but as in everything, I have gotten it wrong more than once. Early in my career, when low-fat foods were all the rage, I pushed our team to make a yogurt-based dip. Unfortunately, this new dip would not stick to carrots or potato chips, and it didn’t taste like AE French Onion Sour Cream Dip, no matter what we did. In early 2002, we introduced three varieties of white milk with an added flavor essence and no sugar. I figured if water could do it, so could we – it was pulled from the market after four months. 

What is a favorite book, show, movie, podcast, etc., that you’d encourage others to consume? 

I have always loved the book, “A Wrinkle in Time,” by Madeleine L’ Engle. I read it first in junior high and reread it recently. The author is a female physicist and woman of faith, who was repeatedly rejected by publishers in the ‘60s, until she wrote this fiction book for younger readers. The story revolves around three children who are transported through time and space to rescue their father from an evil force holding him prisoner on another planet. The lead character, Meg, learns to accept, respect and defend herself and those she loves. The book is a profound illustration of how our uniqueness makes life worthwhile. 

How do you try to find balance and joy in the many activities you take part in? 

I know life is a combination of discipline, hard work, rest, struggles and happy experiences. I have learned that there is a season for each, and it is my choice to find joy and fulfillment in it all.    

What is one of your guilty pleasures? 

Warm chocolate buttermilk brownies and a glass of milk. I love great cuisine from a variety of places, but I would always come home for that. Always. 

What’s something many people don’t know about you? 

I am an expert suitcase packer. I don’t check my luggage and can fit over a week’s worth of clothing and accessories in a carry-on. 

Anything else you want to add about yourself? 

As a healthy, newly married young adult and while in a new leadership role, I was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer. The treatment was a year-long active process, including chemotherapy, radiation and multiple surgeries spanning an additional six-year period. I remember my father telling me that enduring cancer would make me a better leader. I didn’t fully understand what he meant, but later I realized my own loss and pain made my realness shine, a hard-earned piece of authentic leadership. 

What do you consider the greatest barrier to gender equity? 

Lack of openness when exposed to dissimilar perspectives and approaches. I have found that women and men often view and consider things differently. By choosing to embrace these differences, we can widen our own comfort circles, challenge the status quo and create new opportunities for us all.  

Who is an empowering woman that you look up to? 

Director Debi Durham (Iowa Economic Development Authority) has a deep faith, sharp intellect and a contagious sense of humor. Gov. Kim Reynolds leads with courage and compassion. CEO Tiffany Tauscheck (Greater Des Moines Partnership) is constantly encouraging, connecting and empowering her new team. These women are deeply committed to their work, as well as the state of Iowa, have persevered through challenges and each leads in a way that continually builds up the people around them. 

My mother, Catherine, was a faithful supporter for my father and now for my brother and me, as we navigate our family business. She taught me that leading through supporting others does not diminish accomplishments or impact. 

What will it take for women to achieve gender parity in leadership positions? 

The combination of brave, gifted, persistent women, along with leaders who are inspired to entrust both men and women with unique talents and skills to guide and shape their continually evolving businesses and organizations.

What support would be most helpful for business leaders to provide for their women and nonbinary employees? 

The opportunity to grow and develop during their career. Here’s why.  

Our family business, AE Dairy, has had three very different CEOs who shaped and refined their skills and gifts to guide AE to the next generation. If I tried to compare myself to my predecessors (my grandfather, Iver Erickson, and my father, Jim Erickson), I might never have begun the journey to lead AE. Neither was perfect, but their flaws made them relatable and authentic leaders for us all. In the male-dominated dairy industry, which is full of leaders who have a strong expertise in plant operations, I was an outlier, yet my dad saw something in me. I have grown into my position, and it has grown into me. What a blessing that is. 

Fill in the blank: If gender equity were achieved, the world would look like ________.

A place where charisma and mutual respect join together and are infused with collaboration, critical thinking, vision and innovation.

Education: Bachelor’s degree from Wheaton College

Hometown: Des Moines

Family: Gary Brown (husband), furry kids: Sunny and Audrey

Hobbies: Cooking, reading, traveling, exercising

Words to live by: “My soul finds rest in God alone,” Psalm 62:1

Three notable accomplishments

• Early in my career, I agreed to lead the grants committee for the Iowa chapter of the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure with no prior grant experience (I probably was the only volunteer!), establishing a funding program to help women in Iowa get the breast cancer diagnostic and therapeutic treatments they needed.
• As a marketer and a leader of one of the few family-owned dairies in the nation, I have served in various leadership roles on national dairy boards. I am a recipient of the International Dairy Foods Association Soaring Eagle Award for extraordinary service in the dairy industry. I was the first woman to chair the IDFA Fluid Milk Board (IDFA is the regulatory association for our industry) and was reelected twice. And I was the first female leader on the national Got Milk? Board (the marketing association for the dairy industry), where I have been a board member for over 25 years.
• I have personally been involved in much of the product innovation at AE Dairy: Whipped Smooth Cottage Cheese, Raspberry Tangerine Yogurt, Dark Chocolate Milk and Milk Nog are all examples of creativity in dairy form, which is truly the favorite part of my job.

Watch Miriam’s remarks

See all of the past Women of Influence honorees