The latest entry in our series The Female Vision: Women in Feed is Camila Tófoli Tse, technical director monogastrics, Vilomix Brazil, which is part of the Danish Agro group.
Career path
Can you share your journey into the animal nutrition/feed industry? What inspired you to pursue a career in this field, and what challenges did you face along the way?
I’ve been passionate about animals for as long as I can remember. When I was 17, I began studying animal science at a university in Brazil. During my coursework, I was introduced to swine production and developed a deep appreciation for pigs. From that point on, I knew I wanted a career dedicated to working with swine.
However, I was initially undecided between focusing on genetics or nutrition. To help make my decision, I spent my final year interning with both a commercial genetics company and a nutrition company. This experience solidified my path forward.
After graduation, I pursued a master’s degree in swine nutrition, which allowed me to specialize further in the field. Upon completing my degree, I began my career in animal nutrition, gaining experience across several companies. Today, I’m with Vilomix—my third company—and this year, I celebrate 20 years in the profession.
Impact of gender
In your experience, how has being a woman influenced your career in the animal nutrition/feed industry? Have you encountered any gender-specific challenges or opportunities?
Twenty years ago, the challenges for women in this field were more significant than they are today. Although I never faced direct prejudice, I worked in environments that were predominantly male. Occasionally, during field visits, some producers would subtly question my ability to manage tasks traditionally done by men.
Rather than discouraging me, these moments fueled my determination. I never saw myself as a victim or assumed I was incapable. Instead, any doubts others had only motivated me to study harder, train more, and ensure I could perform my tasks to the highest standard.
Perhaps because I haven’t encountered overt discrimination, gender differences are not something that concerns me in my work today.
Mentorship and support
How important have mentorship and networking been in your career? Can you share any specific experiences where support from other women or mentors made a difference?
At the start of my career, I was fortunate to have a female manager who played a pivotal role in shaping the professional I am today. With many years of experience in animal nutrition, she had a direct and positive influence on my approach to work.
Her patience, empathy, commitment to excellence, and encouragement of continuous improvement left a lasting impact on me. She brought a unique perspective, blending sensitivity with a drive for exacting standards, which became invaluable lessons. I strive to carry these qualities into my daily interactions with colleagues and clients, aiming to reflect the same dedication and support she showed me.
Industry changes
What changes have you observed in the animal nutrition/feed industry regarding gender diversity and inclusion over the years? What more needs to be done to improve representation and equity?
The growth in the number of women in the animal nutrition industry across Latin America highlights just how far we’ve come. In certain areas, like poultry farming, women even hold the majority of roles in some positions. This represents a significant shift. However, I believe there’s still progress to be made, particularly in increasing the representation of women in leadership and decision-making roles.
At Vilomix, I’m grateful to hold a decision-making position on the board, and I hope this inspires other women in our industry to pursue leadership roles and make their mark.
Advice for future generations
What advice would you give to young women aspiring to enter animal nutrition/feed industry? Are there specific skills or experiences you believe are essential?
My main advice is to work with humility and strive to do your best in every task. Self-belief and proactivity are essential qualities for career advancement.
I don’t view gender as a basis for competition; instead, I believe in the complementary strengths each gender brings. It’s essential to approach these differences with maturity, using them as a positive force to drive company growth and enhance client results.
Vision for the future
What is your vision for the role of women in the animal nutrition/feed industry over the next decade? How can we work together to foster an environment that supports women’s growth and leadership?
I believe—and hope—that we’ll continue to see more women stepping into leadership roles within our industry. Women’s natural attentiveness and multidisciplinary perspective bring valuable strengths that can drive the evolution of many companies.
For this progress to continue, it’s essential that we support one another, not from a place of competition, but from a commitment to empower, uplift, and encourage other women in the field.
