Meet the entrepreneur who transformed a personal challenge into a tangible solution. Ashley Mooneyham, a Ph.D.-trained biomedical scientist and a mother, refused to accept the inefficiencies of traditional breast pumping. Instead, she brought research—and empathy—to the table, uncovering how warmth and massage can improve milk output. After partnering with fellow University of Minnesota alum Jennie Lynch, Mooneyham co-founded Momease Solutions, the startup behind a smart, comfort-driven pumping bra aimed at reducing pumping time while increasing milk volume. The wearable earned Mooneyham the $100,000 MN Cup grand prize in 2024, with a clinical study underway and a launch planned for early 2026.