Who is Mandy Moreno from Jeopardy?

Mandy Moreno is an American social psychologist, consumer insights executive, researcher, fitness coach, and former competitive roller derby athlete based in Brooklyn, New York. Throughout her career, she has successfully blended academic expertise in psychology with practical experience in consumer behavior, market research, product development, and behavioral science. From teaching psychology at the college level to leading research initiatives for major consumer brands, Moreno has built a multidisciplinary career focused on understanding how people think, make decisions, and interact with the world around them.

Away from the corporate world, Moreno has also earned recognition as a CrossFit coach, roller derby competitor, and advocate for body positivity and strength training. In June 2026, she achieved another personal milestone when she appeared as a contestant on Jeopardy!, describing the experience as a lifelong dream and praising both the show’s production team and her fellow contestants for making the experience unforgettable.

Building a Strong Academic Foundation in Psychology

Mandy Moreno’s professional journey began with a passion for understanding human behavior. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Evansville, where she distinguished herself as both a student leader and an active member of campus life. During her undergraduate years, she served as President of the Association of Latino Students while also working as a Resident Assistant for Powell Hall and the Village Apartments.

Her interest in behavioral science led her to Rutgers University–New Brunswick, where she completed a Ph.D. in Social Psychology. Her doctoral education provided advanced training in social cognition, research methodology, statistical analysis, and the psychological processes that influence individual and group behavior.

Moreno initially pursued an academic career after completing her doctorate. She joined Hudson County Community College as a tenure-track psychology instructor, teaching courses including Introduction to Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, and Lifespan Development. She also served as co-adviser to both the Psi Beta Honor Society and the Psychology Club, mentoring students interested in psychology and behavioral science.

Those early years in higher education helped establish the research and communication skills that would later become central to her work in the private sector.

Becoming a Leader in Consumer Insights and Behavioral Research

After leaving academia, Moreno transitioned into consumer research, where she applied psychological principles to better understand consumer decision-making and purchasing behavior.

She joined Consumers Union as a Survey Research Associate, designing and analyzing product and service surveys that supported Consumer Reports and ShopSmart magazine. Her research also contributed to broader consumer advocacy initiatives by helping evaluate products through scientifically designed survey methodologies.

Moreno later became Insights Manager at Social Media Link, overseeing quantitative research programs for a rapidly growing word-of-mouth marketing company. There she developed research strategies that helped brands better understand customer engagement and consumer preferences.

Following that role, she launched her own consumer research consulting practice. Working with clients across media, retail, entertainment, sports, and technology, she designed surveys, conducted behavioral research, analyzed consumer data, and provided strategic recommendations based on qualitative and quantitative research.

Her ability to combine psychology with business strategy quickly established her as a respected expert in consumer insights.

Leading Consumer Research for Major Global Brands

Since 2019, Mandy Moreno has held senior consumer insights positions with major international companies.

She joined International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF), where she managed consumer testing programs for fragrances used in products including shampoos, conditioners, body wash, deodorants, and other personal care products. Her research incorporated a wide range of methodologies, including ethnography, home-use tests, sensory evaluation, concept testing, usage and attitude surveys, online research, central location testing, and free-sorting exercises.

By studying how consumers experienced fragrances in everyday settings, Moreno helped guide product development decisions while ensuring that products aligned with consumer preferences and expectations.

In February 2024, she joined Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits as Senior Manager of Consumer Insight. In this leadership role, she oversees research initiatives that support product innovation, marketing strategy, and long-term brand development for one of the largest wine and spirits companies in the United States.

Today, Moreno is recognized for her expertise in qualitative research, quantitative research, UX research, survey design, product testing, consumer analytics, insight generation, and behavioral science.

From ‘Dainty Inferno’ to Roller Derby Advocate

Outside of her corporate career, Mandy Moreno became widely recognized within New York City’s roller derby community under the skating name “Dainty Inferno.”

She competed for Bronx Gridlock, one of Gotham Girls Roller Derby’s home teams, during the sport’s modern resurgence in the late 2000s and early 2010s. Roller derby demands athleticism, teamwork, endurance, and strategic thinking, and Moreno quickly became known not only as a skilled competitor but also as an advocate for the sport itself.

She regularly spoke with journalists and media outlets about changing public perceptions of roller derby, emphasizing that it should be viewed as a legitimate, disciplined athletic competition rather than a novelty or entertainment spectacle.

Her efforts received attention from publications including the New York Daily News and Getty Images, helping introduce broader audiences to the athleticism and dedication required to compete at the sport’s highest levels.

Using Psychology to Promote Strength and Confidence

Moreno has also developed a reputation as an experienced CrossFit coach and strength trainer.

She holds CrossFit Level 1 Trainer and CrossFit Mobility Trainer certifications in addition to CPR/AED certification. Her coaching philosophy combines physical training with psychological principles, helping athletes improve both physical performance and mental resilience.

Drawing on her academic background in psychology, Moreno has frequently discussed the mental barriers that discourage many women from participating in strength training. She advocates for body neutrality, confidence, and personal health rather than appearance-based fitness goals.

Featured by publications including Refinery29, she has challenged persistent myths that weightlifting makes women “too bulky,” instead encouraging individuals to focus on strength, health, and functional fitness rather than unrealistic beauty standards.

Her work reflects a broader commitment to helping women develop healthier relationships with exercise and body image through evidence-based coaching.

A Lifelong Love of Learning Leads to Jeopardy!

For Mandy Moreno, appearing on Jeopardy! represented the fulfillment of a lifelong ambition.

Drawing upon years of academic research, psychology, consumer behavior, and a natural curiosity about the world, she brought a wide-ranging knowledge base to one of television’s most respected quiz shows.

Following her appearance in June 2026, Moreno described the opportunity as a dream come true. She praised the production staff for creating a welcoming environment and spoke warmly about the friendships she formed with fellow contestants during filming.

Her appearance reflected the same intellectual curiosity that has shaped every stage of her career—from psychology classrooms and consumer research laboratories to fitness coaching, roller derby competition, and finally the iconic Jeopardy! stage.

Mandy Moreno Quick Facts

Field	Details
Name	Mandy Moreno
Location and Residence	Brooklyn, New York, United States
Profession and Jobs	Social psychologist; Consumer insights executive; Senior Manager, Consumer Insight at Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits (2024–present); Consumer Insights Manager at International Flavors & Fragrances (2019–2024); Consumer Research Consultant (2016–2019); Insights Manager at Social Media Link (2014–2016); Survey Research Associate at Consumers Union (2011–2014); Psychology Instructor at Hudson County Community College (2010–2011); CrossFit coach; Strength trainer; Former competitive roller derby athlete
Gender	Female
Age	Not publicly available
Date of Birth	Not publicly available
Nationality	American
Ethnicity	Latina/Hispanic
Education	Ph.D. in Social Psychology, Rutgers University–New Brunswick; Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, University of Evansville
Languages	English and Spanish
Relationships and Family	Not publicly available
Professional Expertise	Consumer behavior, qualitative and quantitative research, UX research, survey design, ethnography, product testing, insight generation, human behavior, consumer analytics, and market research
Athletic Background	Former Gotham Girls Roller Derby competitor (“Dainty Inferno”); CrossFit Level 1 Trainer; CrossFit Mobility Trainer; CPR/AED certified
Known For	Consumer insights leadership, behavioral science, roller derby advocacy, CrossFit coaching, and appearing on Jeopardy!
Biography and More Details	Built a multidisciplinary career combining psychology, consumer research, market insights, product development, and fitness coaching. Led fragrance consumer testing programs at International Flavors & Fragrances before joining Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits as Senior Manager of Consumer Insight. Previously worked at Consumers Union, Social Media Link, and as an independent consultant serving media, retail, sports, entertainment, and technology clients. Advocates for body neutrality and strength training while using psychology to help women overcome misconceptions about weightlifting. Fluent in English and Spanish. Appeared on Jeopardy! in June 2026, describing the experience as a lifelong dream and celebrating the friendships formed during filming.