Chandler, AZ—The second annual WIN awards were held at this year's WIN Gender Equity Networking Reception during SupplySide Global in Las Vegas, Nevada. Designed to commemorate the exceptional contributions and achievements of individuals dedicated to gender equity, driving research innovations, mentorship within the nutraceutical sector, and demonstrating outstanding business acumen, pioneering vision, and a commitment to advancing women’s leadership in the industry, this year's winners embody the organization's core mission of: Empowering women and fostering an inclusive, supportive environment where their talents and contributions can thrive.

The 2025 WIN Award Winners gather together after this year's ceremony.

This year's award recipients included none other than our very own Publisher/Chief Business Officer,Heather Wainer. Presented with WIN's Champion Award, the organization recognizedWholeFoods magazine for setting the gold standard in support and championing of women in the nutraceuticals industry. During her acceptance speech, Heather reflected on her time in the industry and her history with the WIN institution, "When Heather Granato first shared the idea of Women in Nutraceuticals with me, I immediately embraced it. So, when I was asked to be a founding member, the answer was an easy yes. 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.


The 2025 WIN award winners included:

WIN Entrepreneur of the Year: Kristina Hall, President & Owner, True Grace

This inaugural award celebrates an exceptional female entrepreneur who has driven innovation, growth, and positive change in the nutraceutical industry. The honoree is a founder or c-level executive who has demonstrated outstanding business acumen, pioneering vision, and a commitment to advancing women’s leadership in the industry.

“Being recognized as WIN Entrepreneur of the Year is truly humbling. Entrepreneurship is filled with highs and lows, and at times, it’s easy to question the path. But moments like this remind me why I started True Grace—to make a real impact. I’m thankful for the journey, the relationships built, the amazing team we have that makes it all possible, and the chance to be part of meaningful change for both human and planetary health. I’m new to Women in Nutraceuticals, but I joined because their mission truly resonates with me. WIN is creating space for women to lead, innovate, and make an impact in our industry, and I’m honored to be part of this movement from the start of my journey with them alongside such amazing leaders.”

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

The WIN Research Pioneer Award is presented to an individual of any gender or organization that has made significant contributions to advancing research on nutraceutical products for women or furthering health/nutrition science for women.

“This recognition is meaningful, not just personally, but for the broader mission of advancing women's health through science. This award is a powerful reminder of the importance of advancing women’s health through evidence-based strategies that are not only innovative but also accessible and applicable. WIN provides a unique platform to connect rigorous academic research with the nutraceutical industry, creating a collaborative space where science can directly inform product development and public health outcomes. That synergy is where real impact happens. To be recognized for pioneering work in this space is both humbling and energizing. I’m deeply grateful to those who nominated me and to the many researchers who laid the foundation for this work. Their vision and persistence continue to push women’s health research to the forefront. This recognition is a light forward—for the legacy of those before us, the momentum of current science, and the promise held by the next generation of researchers and mentees. It fuels my passion to keep pushing boundaries, elevating women’s health, and translating research into meaningful solutions for women everywhere.”

WIN Guiding Star: Holly E. Johnson, Ph.D., Chief Science Officer, AHPA

The WIN Guiding Star Award celebrates an extraordinary individual of any gender who has been instrumental in mentoring and elevating women within the nutraceuticals industry.

“I’m truly honored and humbled to receive the WIN Guiding Star Award. Supporting, and learning from, the incredible women in our industry — like Dr. Emily Britton and so many others — has been one of the most meaningful parts of my career. Their passion and curiosity continually remind me why mentorship matters. As a woman in science who struggled coming up in a well-fortified boys club environment, it was natural for me to want to engage with younger women scientists and encourage broader inclusion of their voices in industry discourse. Thank you to WIN for acknowledging the value of women helping each other by creating this award.”

WIN Awards Committee Chair, Petra Erlandson, explained the significance for the organization to be able to recognize industry peers, “The awards committee was deeply impressed by the quality of nominations we received, which reflects the incredible people making a meaningful impact across our industry,” said Erlandson. “It is an honor to recognize the inspiring work they are doing to advance women in nutraceuticals and drive progress toward gender quality in our industry. Congratulations to the 2025 WIN awardees! We so appreciate your commitment and leadership!”

Related: Making a Difference, Paying it Forward

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