Her Story
About Diana
Diana Marcela Nieto is a seasoned professional in the food ingredients industry, currently serving as Senior Manager, Commercial Sugar Reduction for the U.S., Canada, and Latin America at Ingredion Incorporated. With approximately two decades of experience, she has developed a career that combines research and development, food technology, strategic marketing, business development, and commercial leadership. Her background includes extensive work in ingredient functionality, product development, formulation, customer relationships, and large-scale project management, giving her a well-rounded perspective across both technical and commercial aspects of the food and beverage industry.
Diana began her career as a Chemical Engineer and later expanded her expertise through a Master's degree in Food Marketing from Saint Joseph's University. During her career at Ingredion, she has held a range of increasingly senior positions, including Principal Food Technologist, Project Leader, Senior Manager of Strategic Marketing, Senior Manager of Business Development, Regional Platform Leader for Clean and Simple Ingredients, and Healthful Solutions Senior Manager. Her work has involved developing innovative ingredient solutions, supporting customers with product development, improving business performance, and translating emerging consumer and market trends into commercially relevant strategies.
Known for her curiosity, positive attitude, and willingness to go beyond her core responsibilities, Diana approaches her work with a strong commitment to continuous learning and collaboration. She is particularly engaged in areas such as sugar reduction, food innovation, functional ingredients, clean-label solutions, texture, and nutrition-focused product development. Her professional philosophy is grounded in resilience, confidence, ethics, and openness to learning, and she encourages others—especially women entering the industry—to build strong professional networks, remain adaptable, and surround themselves with people who offer honest and constructive feedback.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Diana
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute much of my success to an innate curiosity and a willingness to take on challenges beyond my immediate responsibilities. My drive to understand how and why things work, combined with a passion for continuous improvement, has enabled me to identify opportunities, solve complex problems, and create meaningful impact. This mindset has consistently opened doors to new experiences, responsibilities, and opportunities for growth.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received is to stay relentlessly curious, commit to continuous learning, and never stop asking “why.” Growth comes from challenging assumptions, seeking new perspectives, and embracing opportunities to evolve. Equally important is building a network of authentic relationships with people who provide candid feedback, challenge you to be better, and support your development. Above all, success requires resilience, adaptability, and the courage to embrace change, turning uncertainty into opportunity and setbacks into growth.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering my industry is to be resilient, confident, and trust in their abilities. Know that you belong, demonstrate your strengths, and stay open to constructive feedback. Continuous learning and listening to others can help you grow into a stronger professional.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is the rapidly changing way consumers eat. However, these shifts also create opportunities to innovate, differentiate, and develop products and ingredients that better meet evolving consumer needs.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are integrity, honesty, positivity, and a willingness to take on challenges. I also value dedication, openness, love, and caring for others, both in my professional and personal life.
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