Member Spotlight: Gina Benninger

Director of Business Development & Marketing, Nutriience

Co-Chair, WIN Mentorship Committee

"What started as a career has become a family."

Gina Benninger has spent more than three decades building relationships, mentoring others, and helping to strengthen the nutraceutical industry. As Co-Chair of the WIN Mentorship Committee, she is passionate about creating opportunities for the next generation of leaders. In this Member Spotlight, Gina shares her thoughts on mentorship, networking, leadership, and the power of community — in her own words.

WIN: Who had the biggest influence on your career?

Gina: That is probably the hardest question to answer because I truly believe my career has been shaped by an entire community.

More than three decades ago, someone saw potential in me that I didn't yet see in myself. He gave me an opportunity to build a career, and that single act of belief changed the course of my life. Thirty-two years later, I still wake up grateful for that chance.

Along the way, so many people in this industry took me under their wing. They shared their knowledge, challenged me to grow, encouraged me to take risks, and reminded me that I belonged. What started as a career has become a family.

If I had to name a few people who continue to inspire me, I’d start with my husband, Jon Benninger, who has always believed in me, challenged me to think bigger, and reminded me that anything is possible. Heather Granato and Heather Wainer have also been incredible role models whose leadership, generosity, and encouragement have inspired me throughout my journey.

There are so many others who have invested in me over the years. You know who you are, and I am grateful for every one of you.

How has networking changed over the years?

Networking has become much more meaningful.

Years ago, networking often felt like exchanging business cards or looking for the next opportunity. Today, it's about asking, "How can we collaborate? How can we support one another? How can we help someone else succeed?"

The strongest professional relationships are built on generosity, authenticity, and trust. When we focus on helping others rather than ourselves, amazing opportunities naturally follow.

What does building real relationships mean to you?

Everything.

Relationships have been the foundation of every opportunity I've had throughout my career.

I don't see people as contacts. I see them as individuals whose stories, goals, and families I genuinely care about. Those relationships don't end after a project or an event. They grow over years, and many become lifelong friendships.

For me, success has never been about building the biggest network. It's about building a community of people who trust, support, and celebrate one another.

How has mentorship shaped your journey?

Mentorship has shaped every chapter of my career.

I've been fortunate to have people who believed in me before I believed in myself. They shared their experiences, challenged me to grow, and gave me opportunities that helped build my confidence.

Now I see mentorship as a responsibility. It's our turn to create those same opportunities for others. We don't just pass along knowledge. We pass along confidence, encouragement, and the belief that someone else can achieve more than they imagined.

What do you hope mentors and mentees gain through WIN?

I hope they gain far more than professional advice.

I hope they gain confidence, meaningful relationships, and a network of people who genuinely care about their success.

Our goal is to give mentees the tools, resources, and support they need to build the career they want, while helping mentors grow as leaders by giving back.

The connections built through WIN don't end when the program ends. They become part of a lifelong community.

What advice would you give someone building their network?

Be genuine.

Don't network because you need something. Build relationships because you're genuinely interested in people.

Listen more than you speak. Follow through on your commitments. Celebrate other people's successes. Offer help without expecting anything in return.

Your reputation is built one relationship at a time, and authenticity will always open more doors than self-promotion.

Why should emerging leaders get involved with WIN?

Because no one succeeds alone.

WIN provides access to mentors, peers, education, and opportunities that can accelerate both personal and professional growth. It's a place where emerging leaders can ask questions, gain confidence, expand their network, and discover that they have an entire community cheering them on.

That kind of support can change the trajectory of a career, just as it changed mine.

What gives you hope for the future of women in our industry?

What gives me hope is seeing women lift one another up.

I see women sharing opportunities instead of competing for them. I see experienced leaders investing in the next generation. I see more collaboration, more diverse perspectives, and more women stepping confidently into leadership roles.

The future is bright because we're creating a culture where success isn't about climbing alone. It's about reaching back, extending a hand, and making sure the next generation has even more opportunities than we did.

That's exactly what WIN is all about.

- Gina Benninger