Inspiring the Industry

At the WIN Gender Equity Networking Reception at SupplySide Global, Women In Nutraceuticals (WIN) celebrated the remarkable contributions and achievements of four industry veterans who champion gender equity, drive research innovations, excel in mentorship within the nutraceutical sector, and demonstrate outstanding business acumen, pioneering vision, and a commitment to advancing women’s leadership in the industry. 

Taking home the award for WIN Champion was WholeFoods Magazine’s very own Heather Wainer, Publisher/Chief Business Officer. Wainer, a founding member of WIN, shared,  “Growing up in this industry, I witnessed many changes at the top. Over time, more women began to rise into leadership roles. Like many young professionals, I started in entry-level positions and paid my dues. Circumstances, and my father’s belief in me, gave me opportunities to grow faster, but as a young woman I had to prove myself even more. Rumors spread when I earned new business, and I often found myself as the only woman at the table. I didn’t question whether I belonged, I knew I had earned my place. But being a young, single woman in a business setting, and sometimes being hit on by married men, was never easy. Little by little, things began to shift. I saw more men championing women, and it’s been inspiring to witness this change. Today, it’s an honor to see so many women advancing in our industry, and to be part of WIN, where we provide a platform to support and celebrate them. That is why receiving this award is so meaningful to me, it feels like a recognition that I’ve been able to make a difference.”

WIN also honored: 

• WIN Entrepreneur of the Year: Kristina Hall, President & Owner, True Grace
• WIN Research Pioneer: Abbie Smith-Ryan, Ph.D., Professor and Director of the Applied Physiology Laboratory, Department of Exercise and Sport Science, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
• WIN Guiding Star: Holly E. Johnson, Ph.D., Chief Science Officer,  AHPA

Stay tuned for more from WIN and the 2025 honorees!

Bringing the FUN!

The What’s Up With SUPPS afterparty was once again a hot spot, closing down SupplySide Global with a blowout event held at Swingers Golf in Mandalay Bay. Mini golf, carvival games, a Halloween costume contest, and of course loads of networking and celebrating another successful year at SupplySide in Las Vegas. Another excellent reason to kick back with industry friends: This party with a purpose raised money for the Williams Franklin Foundation. 

Chief Fun Officer Diana Morgan, MS, CISSN, was also on LinkedIn celebrating another successful showing at the What’s Up with Pumps networkout at FitClub Vegas. She shared, “Big love to the 6am Squad who showed up and showed OUT…Y’all brought the energy, the sweat, and the vibes all before the sun rose.”

Innovating and Excelling!

The WholeFoods Magazine team, including Heather Wainer, Todd Berger, and Maggie Jaqua, were on the show floor at SupplySide Global presenting trophies to the winners of WholeFoods Magazine's 2025 Natural Choice Awards: Ingredients Edition. Take a look at our photo slideshow (above) to see who took home NCA honors in 2025!