Chandler, AZ—Women In Nutraceuticals (WIN), a non-profit focused on gender equity in the nutraceutical industry, hosted its inaugural WIN Leadership Summit at the Sonoran University of Health Sciences in Tempe, AZ, on April 25-26. The event, sponsored by Nice Insights, drew 125 attendees.

The Summit kicked off with a choice of optional activities (golf driving range, desert garden walk, or a service opportunity to benefit Gathering Humanity) followed by a networking reception. On day 2, Lise Aslchuler N.D., incoming President of Sonoran University, gave her keynote speech: Free to Flow. The day also featured the panel discussion Breaking the Lab Ceiling: Empowering Female Scientists for Leadership and C-Suite Advancement with Karin Hermoni, Ph.D., Katie Banaszewski, Ph.D., Susan Mitmesser, Ph.D., Nima Alamdari, Ph.D., and Nora Khaldi, Ph.D. Additional sessions during the day, which was moderated by Amin Wasserman Gurnani’s Rend Al-Mondhiry, who is also chair of WIN’s advisory board, included:

  •  inclusive leadership
  • developing your personal brand
  • adopting a mentorship mentality

“Our first stand-alone summit underscored the power of community," said WIN President Heather Granato. "From the powerful sessions with tactical takeaways to the chance to catch up with industry friends and colleagues—and make new ones—it was a valuable experience that we hope will accelerate positive change!”

WholeFoods Magazine Publisher and Chief Business Officer Heather Wainer was also in attendance and shared her thoughts: "It was an amazing time to spend with so many liked minded individuals, sharing our stories and beliefs and networking. I learned so much from everyone who attended. The speakers all hit it out of the park. I know we all brought back wonderful nuggets to create better workplaces, more opportunities for women to grow, and for gender equality. I cannot remember the last time I experienced so much positive energy is a room. I am a better person from attending this Summit."

WIN Board & Executive Committee

On the eve of the Summit, the WIN board of directors swore in the recently elected members and a new Executive Committee. Re-elected board members Heather Granato (Nutrachievement) and Karen Todd RD (Kyowa Hakko) and newly elected board members Sybille Buchwald-Werner Ph.D. (Newday) and Michelle Martin (Cypress Minerals) were sworn in.

The new executive committee is:

  • President: Heather Granato
  • Vice President: Michelle Martin
  • Treasurer: Doug Reader
  • Secretary: Karen Howard