WIN member Maria Nunez shares a powerful reflection on career growth, adaptability, and learning to embrace uncertainty. From entering the nutraceutical industry through customer service to stepping into leadership and strategic growth roles, her journey highlights how some of the most transformative opportunities come from taking risks before feeling fully ready. Through mentorship, cross-country moves, and fast-paced industry challenges, Maria explores the importance of resilience, curiosity, and trusting your ability to grow through change.

WIN Executive Director Rebecca Takemoto reflects on the leadership lessons she learned through motherhood, entrepreneurship, and the many evolving seasons of life. In this personal essay, she explores how raising a family reshaped her perspective on perfection, flexibility, creativity, and grace — and how those experiences ultimately made her a stronger leader, mentor, and advocate for women navigating complex and meaningful lives.

This month’s Research Spotlight features Dr. Eleonora Cremonini, Associate Researcher at UC Davis and member of the WIN Clinical Researcher Database, whose work explores how plant polyphenols impact both metabolic and cognitive health. Combining human clinical trials with mechanistic lab research, Dr. Cremonini’s work goes beyond demonstrating outcomes to uncover how these compounds work in the body, offering valuable insight for future product development and scientific collaboration.

What if one of the nutraceutical industry’s biggest blind spots is hiding in plain sight? In this blog, WIN Board member Anand Swaroop explores the striking disconnect between the women who power the industry’s supply chain and purchasing decisions—and those represented in its leadership. Drawing from personal experience and industry data, he challenges readers to rethink equity not as an initiative, but as a strategic lever for innovation, growth, and better health outcomes. From redefining allyship to making the business case for inclusion, read on for a perspective that may change how you think about leadership in nutraceuticals—and what it will take to move the industry forward.

This article spotlights Nicole Lemus and explores the critical connection between nutrition science, commercialization, and leadership in advancing women’s health. It examines both the biological gaps in nutrient intake and research, and the structural gaps in leadership and decision-making that influence which innovations reach the market. Through Nicole’s career and perspective, the piece highlights how mentorship, commercial fluency, and representation in revenue-driving roles can help accelerate progress—shaping a more equitable and effective future for women’s health.

Dr. Angela Mastaloudis explores the emerging science of the estrobolome, a specialized subset of the gut microbiome that influences estrogen metabolism and may hold the key to new nutraceutical innovations for fertility, menopause, metabolic health, and cognitive performance. From the biological mechanisms behind estrogen recycling to practical strategies involving diet, prebiotics, polyphenols, and targeted probiotics, read on for a compelling look at how microbiome research could transform the future of women’s health.

Dr. Sybille Buchwald-Werner shares her personal journey into board governance and the mindset shift required to move from executive leadership to effective board service. Drawing from her experience completing the IMD Board Readiness Diploma and serving as an independent board director, she explores the critical differences between industry roles focused on execution and governance roles centered on judgment, long-term value creation, and strategic oversight.

Emerging technologies like AI can enhance transparency and innovation across the nutraceutical industry—but human connection, mentorship, and participation will become even more essential. WIN president Heather Granato highlights the critical role of women in leadership, the importance of inclusive product development, and why active industry engagement is key to building a healthier, more resilient future for both consumers and professionals alike.

The latest Women in the Workplace report from McKinsey & Company reveals a critical inflection point: progress toward gender equity is stalling, and in some cases reversing—especially when companies fail to actively support women at every career stage. From the persistent “broken rung” at the first promotion to gaps in sponsorship, remote-work bias, and the disproportionate barriers faced by women of color, the findings highlight why intentional action matters now more than ever.

Women’s Health Research Day highlights why sex-specific research matters for better health outcomes—and what it means for the nutraceutical industry. This article explores the impact of the NIH’s Sex as a Biological Variable (SABV) policy, the gaps that still exist in women’s health research, and how companies can take action. Learn how Women In Nutraceuticals (WIN) works to advance inclusive science, supports women in research and leadership, and drives more equitable, evidence-based innovation.

The FDA’s removal of the black box warning on hormone replacement therapy marks a pivotal shift in women’s health. Dr. Karen Hecht and Dr. Karin Hermoni of the WIN Science Committee explore what the change means for women seeking personalized menopause care and how the nutraceutical industry can responsibly innovate to better support women.

WIN’s Entrepreneurship Committee has launched the Entrepreneurship Training and Pitch Contest program specifically to support female founders in the nutraceutical and wellness sectors.

Pursue ambitions boldly. Seek mentors. Do not fear failure. Growth often comes during times of discomfort, and those moments prepare future leaders to carry both strength and empathy.

Women In Nutraceuticals (WIN) is proud to spotlight Sheldon Baker, CEO of Baker Dillon Group, in our “Men Who Support WIN” series. Sheldon brings decades of industry insight, a legacy of brand leadership, and a heartfelt commitment to supporting gender equity in nutraceuticals.

May is Women’s Health Month and there is much to celebrate!  After all, women make the world go round—none of us would exist if it weren’t for women.  There is a greater openness surrounding uniquely female topics once considered taboo, like menopause and miscarriages.  There are more ongoing discussions about inequities females face in their personal and professional lives.  At long last, the nutraceuticals industry is responding with more products formulated for women during various life stages.

At Gnosis by Lesaffre, a deep belief in the power of diversity and inclusion fuels everything from internal culture to global partnerships. As a Founding Gold Sponsor of Women In Nutraceuticals (WIN), the company continues to model how meaningful engagement with gender equality initiatives can drive both human and business success.

At Women In Nutraceuticals (WIN), we are proud to partner with organizations that not only lead in their industries but also champion gender equality and inclusive leadership. One such leader is Eurofins US Foods, a global company with more than 62,000 employees across 62 countries, and a firm commitment to cultivating a safe and equitable work environment.

May is Women’s Health Month, a time to recognize the vital role women play in shaping the future of health and wellness. In the world of medicinal plants and nutraceuticals, this role has deep and enduring roots. Across centuries and cultures, women have been the stewards of botanical knowledge—gathering, preparing, and passing down remedies that nourish body and spirit.

It is imperative we have equal representation of women in studies to improve our outcomes and support our well-being. We aren’t just smaller versions of men—we have our own physiology! Learn more here.