Brianna Kusch, CPP, is the Senior Manager and Senior Principal Packaging R&D Engineer for PepsiCo Beverages, where she leads packaging innovation for the Enhanced Hydration portfolio. With over a decade at PepsiCo, she has held progressive roles across the organization, including leadership positions in Foods R&D, Quick Cycle Innovation, and Quaker North America. She began her packaging career at The J.M. Smucker Company, where she supported the Folgers Coffee brand in validating new packaging technologies and materials. Her work spans the development of sustainable solutions, rapid prototyping, and large-scale commercialization. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Packaging Science from Michigan State University, one of the nation’s top packaging programs. In addition to her professional accomplishments, she serves as the Associate Board President for Namaste Charter School in Chicago, where she leads fundraising and engagement efforts to support innovative urban education.