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With a background in business sustainability, and having dabbled in the world of alternative finance for a few years, Ilana realised that the future of food was to be her 'bread and butter'.

She co-founded SNACT, a sustainable snack brand, in 2013.

"We started SNACT because we wanted to create a business that does things differently and positively contributes to changing our food system."

Since setting up, they have saved more than 250 tonnes (and counting) of food from going to waste. The company also wraps its snacks in home-compostable packaging to tackle public waste.

"Incorporating sustainability in everything we do has opened a lot of doors for us, both in terms of reaching customers and in getting help financially and practically from individuals and organisations.

"We have achieved national distribution, won awards such as the Global Good Awards' Best Eco Product, and gained international media recognition."

Ilana has been both a London Leader and a proud Unreasonable Fellow. The London Leader programme was run by the Mayor of London and the London Sustainable Development Commission and recognised entrepreneurs and organisations for their work in making London a greener and sustainable city.

Unreasonable is an organisation, investment fund, and private global network dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs positioned to bend history in the right direction. Unreasonable's mission is to drive resources into and break down barriers for select companies leveraging profit to solve the seemingly intractable social and environmental challenges of our time.

In 2019, she co-founded , underpinned by the belief that it's time to be bolder while faced with the scale of environmental and social challenges that lie ahead of us. Bolder exists to help other businesses be the solution to environmental issues by being bolder in their ambition and action.

How does it feel to be selected for the Alumni 100 list?

"I'm extremely flattered! I can't quite believe that I've been chosen to be part of a '100 List' out of 17,000 alumni–it's a bit surreal. I'm also really proud this list has an equal split of men and women!"

What made you choose to study at the University of Edinburgh Business School?

"A combination of the University's high reputation and the attractiveness of Edinburgh as a city to live in as a student."

What are your memories of studying at the Business School?

"There are many but if I had to pick a few...Making new friends, cramming sessions in the library, developing a board game for one of my classes, lectures on business strategy and employment law, and studying outside in George Square for summer exams!"

What key thing that you learnt at the Business School do you still rely on today?

"A class I took set me on the journey I'm on today–which is to use business as a tool to create impactful change in the world. I may have ended up working in sustainability regardless of that class, but I have a distinct memory of having a lightbulb moment when I thought, 'interesting–I should look into this for work prospects when I graduate!"

Proudest work-related achievement to date?

"Starting my own company and not choosing to go down a corporate career."

What's the one thing you think current students need to develop or learn before entering the modern workplace?

"People are willing to give you a lot of time if you prepare a bit before reaching out to them and show real interest in the area. On the flip side, if you expect them to do all the thinking they probably won't help. So practice being very clear about what you want or need from people and practice being appreciative and responsive when people give you some time."