The nutraceutical industry thrives on innovation, passion, and purpose-driven leadership. As Women In Nutraceuticals (WIN) enters a pivotal phase of growth, the organization is poised to build on its momentum, fostering gender equity and expanding its global impact. To achieve this mission, WIN’s Board of Directors plays a crucial role in steering the organization toward greater inclusivity and empowerment.

We have four open Board of Directors positions included in this year’s vote. WIN members in good standing can vote for four out of the six candidates.

Voting Begins March 24 – Voting ends April 7

Ballots will be automatically emailed out to WIN members.

This year, an exceptional slate of candidates is stepping up to guide WIN into the future. Each candidate brings a wealth of experience, industry expertise, and a deep commitment to advancing gender equality. Meet the leaders dedicated to driving meaningful change:

Gillian Fish – Founder and CEO of The 6AM Agency

Gillian Fish, Business Growth Strategist, champion of the natural products industry, author and former magazine editor is the Founder and CEO of The 6AM Agency, an integrated business growth, marketing and communications consultancy with a deep specialization in health, evidence-based wellbeing and nutraceuticals.

Acknowledged as one of APAC’s foremost leaders in integrated Health and evidence-based Wellbeing business growth strategies, Gillian is author of Good + Well: 25 World Experts Share their Secrets to Wellbeing, and Resilience. Body. Mind. Soul and is a contributor to global platforms, podcasts, journals and conferences in the natural products industry. Gillian volunteers for multiple non-profits including an original Founding Member of WIN and recipient of the Women In Nutraceuticals Heroine Award 2024. Born in South Africa during the apartheid era against which she stood, it is her life purpose to support others by unlocking potential, as her commitment to making the world a better place.

Gillian’s Vision Statement

It is an honour and a privilege to be standing for the Women In Nutraceuticals Board Elections – I thank the nominating committee for this chance. As one of the original eleven Founding Members from back in late 2021, when WIN was just an idea, it has been deeply rewarding to see the vision of this outstanding organisation that strives to unlock personal and professional potential in women in the great nutraceuticals industry to achieve gender and societal equity come to life, powered by outstanding volunteers whose selfless intent to build an organisation that does good, is nothing short of remarkable. 

Tens of thousands of volunteers, women and men, and partner hours and sponsor $$s have been donated to build this into the unstoppable movement that it is today, that is driving change and unlocking potential at every turn, from board to brand and beyond, all leaning in to make a real difference and lasting impact to the lives of others with ripple effects across families and communities. An absolute honour to be part of this journey.

Since my early 20s, my personal purpose has been to unlock potential in others by creating opportunities and “giving them the wings to fly”, just as was given to me early on in my career.   WIN’s mission aligns seamlessly with my personal and professional philosophies. In a world facing immense challenges, empowering women is not just inspiring – it is essential for driving meaningful change and innovation. I do whatever I can to champion this daily in my own business, giving our talented team, past and present, the opportunity to grow and fly.

I am of the belief that the real path to progress lies in lifting each other up, celebrating one another’s successes, and fostering a culture of true inclusivity. WIN’s vision to uplift women in nutraceuticals across the supply chain resonates deeply with my core values. It fuels my passion for fostering growth, equity, and inclusion while amplifying the impact of mentorship and support. 

The opportunity to pay forward the guidance and mentorship I have received is incredibly meaningful, and WIN’s mission inspires me to contribute to an environment where women can thrive. Together, we can build a legacy of empowerment that transform the industry and its communities across generations. 

As an entrepreneur and business founder and leader with a 30+ year working career across brand and business growth in the health and wellbeing industry I would be honoured to collaborate with fellow WINners – women and men,  to champion strategic growth and executional plans, contributing across key areas such as strategy development, stakeholder management, people, values and culture alignment, and global expansion with its deeply nuanced needs. 

As leaders, we are only as good as our teams.  I am passionate about empowering others and aligning shared values with impactful outcomes that bring fulfilment to teams while driving a measurable ROI for the business. 

My passion and deep experience in building high-performing, culturally sensitive, and respectful teams equips me to collaborate with fellow Board members to foster an environment where a growth mindset, collaboration, a higher purpose and innovation thrive. 

I bring an ability to align diverse stakeholders around a shared vision and translate that into actionable strategies that drive measurable progress. Additionally, my expertise in navigating complex challenges and identifying opportunities ensures sustainable organisational growth while delivering meaningful  outcomes that positively impact communities. My forward-thinking approach, with a commitment to ongoing learning, and the ability to balance short-term wins with long-term planning,  equips me to contribute to WIN’s continued success in this next phase of growth. We should aim to win the marathon not the race.

My goal would be to ensure WIN’s initiatives are not only scaleable and commercially sustainable, but also aligned with its core mission and values, taking into account the cultural nuances, industry and market dynamics and sensitivities of each market across the globe.

Ultimately, my focus would be on ensuring WIN remains a leader in empowerment and impact across the supply chain, leveraging its position to drive meaningful change. My focus would be on harmonising craft, culture, and commerce, which I believe is the recipe for business success.

If elected, I aspire to leave a legacy as a team player who significantly contributed to the WIN’s measurable impact across the supply chain. I aim to enhance the organisation’s collaborative values-driven culture, to continue to attract dynamic  volunteers, sponsors, and partners who align with its values and vision. 

By amplifying WIN’s influence, my ultimate goal is to help position WIN as a global leader and beacon of empowerment, driving sustainable innovation and delivering meaningful returns for all stakeholders. I am committed to fostering an environment that inspires action and creates transformative change.

Heather Granato – President Nutrachievement Inc.

Heather Granato is the founder of strategic business consultancy Nutrachievement, and a 30-year veteran of the global nutraceutical and food industry, serving in senior leadership roles with the SupplySide, Vitafoods and Food ingredients media and events brands.

Heather is an international moderator and presenter with multimedia publishing experience, who has been recognized with awards for leadership, management and content by FOLIO: the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) and the United Natural Products Alliance (UNPA). Heather is the co-founder and founding president of Women In Nutraceuticals, a global non-profit focused on gender equity; she is also on the board of directors for the Organic & Natural Health Association.

Heather’s Vision Statement

In the fall of 2021, a group of industry colleagues came together and asked a question: What could we do to address the issue of gender inequity in the nutraceutical industry—from the boardroom to the laboratory, from the VC field and into product development. Just a few months later, we incorporated Women In Nutraceuticals as a nonprofit dedicated to supporting women in their professional and personal development, and the greater cause of economic and social equality in the industry.

Since that time, I’ve had the opportunity to serve as a member of the board, and president of WIN, and work collectively with an amazing team of volunteers and, more recently, staff members. It has been tremendously heartening to see the reaction from the broader industry, as individuals and organizations leaned in to lend their support to this cause. Personally, I worked closely with every member of the board in the development of our original mission and vision statements, as well as the further crafting in the past year to ensure they truly captured what we seek to achieve and how we aim to do so. In addition, we developed core values as well as board norms to ensure that we’re operating in alignment with what we hold as truths.

Through the first two years, it was all hands on deck, and I was delighted to lend my hands wherever needed. One of our first big projects was working with a market research firm on a baseline survey about gender representation in leadership in the industry; I served as point for the project and authored the report, as well as sharing the topline insights in online and in-person presentations. [A second iteration of the survey is high on my list of priority projects for the next three years.] I served as liaison to the marcom committee, lending tactical support as well as strategic insight, along with the co-chairs Gill Fish and Traci Kantowski. We accomplished a great deal in that time, but also started encountering challenges to growth, including lack of bandwidth. Our board members were—and still are to some degree—working board members, doing tactical execution alongside volunteers across the organization. It has been my vision that we continue to shift toward serving as a governing board, taking the responsibility for the long-term strategy and fiscal well-being of the organization, and building the necessary staff and volunteer resources that will enable WIN to deliver value to the nutraceutical industry far into the future.

I have learned a great deal myself about leadership and board service in the past three years, and am grateful to have had the opportunity to serve. As a leader, I am driven to commit to ideas and confront issues when they arise, taking personal responsibility. That said, I can be slow to trust others and less adaptable, and work on empathy and interpersonal appreciation. Working with WIN, I have had the opportunity to remind myself to slow down, listen more and assess different points of view, which has helped me personally and professionally.

If re-elected to the board, I will continue to tap into my extensive network to create buy-in for the mission and vision of WIN. From our founding, I have had the ability to utilize my skills in storytelling, consensus building, partnership development, and an understanding of nonprofit board responsibilities. I believe process is critical for stability and am invested in ensuring WIN is here for the long term, meaning establishing structure and staff resources that allow volunteers to strategize and implement in their areas of genius. Further, as a member-based organization, I believe we have an obligation to find ways to support our members in by inspiring their own journeys. My focus will be to identify the highest priorities and support execution, putting our resources to best use and maintaining transparency while staying focused on our mission. With so much passion and energy from our teams potentially taking WIN in a variety of directions, my skills and talents will help ensure WIN initiatives support the mission, and are well executed.

As a board member, I hope to continue serving the organization and the members through a collaborative partnership with the other directors, supporting our staff and volunteers to accomplish the great initiatives and objectives that we have envisioned, while taking responsibility to increase our revenue funding and sources of funding. This organization has the ability to have real long-term impact not only on our industry but in the products that come to market and in the personal and professional development of our members. It’s an honor to be a part of WIN and has been a privilege to serve on the board.

Kenn Israel – Co-Founding Partner & Nutrition Practice Leader BeyondBrands

For over three decades serving food supplement and ingredient brands with innovation, technical, and regulatory support. Co-Founding Partner & Nutrition Practice Leader at BeyondBrands – A New York based business development agency serving progressive, sustainable, plant-based & mission driven participants in the Beverage, Food, Dietary Supplement, Cosmetic, and Wellness categories. Founder of Innovation Nutrition Consulting – A California based boutique product development and innovation consultancy operating in the US and Europe

Deep experience in product development, ingredient commercialization, contract manufacturing, regulatory affairs, and compliance and operations. Member of WIN’s Sponsorship Committee, Natural Products Association COMPLI Committee, NCN Selection Committee, American Botanical Council Advisory Board and multiple scientific and business advisory board appointments. WIN faces a critical transition time where we evolve from an exciting startup into an effective change maker. My focus will be on empowering our committees to execute more effectively, to establish independent entities in Europe, Southeast Asia and China (and perhaps LATAM) to better serve the specific needs of these markets and communities, and to assure that WIN has a robust junior leadership cohort to assure continuity. Skills include: technical expert, communications, team building and leadership.

Kenn’s Vision Statment

I am Kenn Israel and have been engaged in the Nutraceuticals industry for over 3 decades & have been involved with Women in Nutraceuticals (WIN) since its inception. Presently I serve as co-leader of the Sponsorship Committee for WIN and have been advocating on behalf of WIN globally for two years.  I see an opportunity to help transform WIN from what has been the most exciting new association in the Nutraceutical Industry, into an established global advocate for gender balanced leadership, career advancement, scientific inquiry, and access to capital for women founders, business leaders, scientists and participants in the global nutraceutical trade. 

I intrinsically understand that the majority of the customers of our industry are women, yet the majority of the businesses serving them are led by men. Lack of women’s voices and perspectives in the board room, corporate leadership, R&D teams, and venture and angel community is a fundamental misalignment with our customers and correcting this will allow our industry to flourish. An industry with gender equity is a stronger industry, more sensitive to the needs and desires of its customers. Having worked for multiple male majority organizations, some that are women owned and managed, as well as balanced and mixed organizations, I will state that organizations that include women in leadership outperform their male led counterparts and are simply better places to work. 

My specific goals in running for the board are:

• Empowerment of our committees to fully execute their mandates within a clearly articulated structure 
• Cultivation of a community of emerging leaders within the WIN community and formalization of a structure that supports opportunity for these individuals to lead the organization and incorporate their ideas into our culture. This will support a diverse and resilient leadership core within WIN.
• Empowerment and autonomy for our global teams facilitated by creating region- specific structures that encourage active membership and funding of their initiatives. Our current structure is centric to the regions of our founding members, but we have tapped into a global need that we can address more effectively with some structural shifts.
• I will only run for one term on the board as there are so many individuals within our community that deserve an opportunity to help shape and guide this excellent organization and the ideas that drive it. 

I know that all the current board members and candidates are highly qualified, capable, well intentioned and motivated to guide and lead the next chapter of WIN. I fully intend to continue my support and advocacy for WIN regardless of the election outcome. While it may seem curious that a Man is asking for your vote to help lead WIN, I am confident that our membership recognizes that we need to engage with the entire industry to accomplish our vision and I am well positioned to support this goal

Michelle Martin – President & COO Cypress Minerals

A creative leader with experience building high-performance teams who actually enjoys the ride while driving business growth. My mission? To accelerate future leaders who strive to impact the world positively. For over three decades, I have been a health and wellness advocate—because what’s success without well-being? My career has taken me across multiple industries, including some fun entrepreneurial ventures, shaping my leadership and sharpening my skills.

What fuels me? Making an impact—whether in health, design, empowerment, or gender equality. That’s why I’ve been all in with Women In Nutraceuticals, championing inclusion and purpose-driven leadership. With experience, relentless curiosity, a commitment to excellence, and a strong purpose, I’m here to spark ideas and help create a healthier, equitable, and more resilient world. Together, let’s build something for our future leaders!

Michelle’s Vision Statement

My vision for WIN is to build a healthier nutraceutical industry where diverse perspectives and gender balance drive both economic and social equity—fueling growth and success for our industries, businesses, colleagues, and consumers. This vision aligns with my passion for empowering global changemakers.

I believe greatness lives inside everyone, and my passion is to help others step into their greatness and live fully. That, to me, is leadership—and it’s what I aim to bring to the board. Through my work with various organizations, I live this passion daily. WIN has been a driving force in that journey, alongside my work in Africa, where I help foster systemic change and equity for women. One of my favorite quotes from William Carey is, ‘I’m not afraid of failure; I’m afraid of succeeding at things that don’t matter.’ WIN is something that truly matters.

When I entered the industry four years ago, I immediately noticed an imbalance of perspectives. My career path has been anything but linear—it looks more like San Francisco’s Lombard Street than a straight shot to the moon. But that winding road has given me invaluable perspectives and real-world experience, and I’m eager to use that knowledge to drive meaningful change. I want to create a healthier industry by embracing fresh perspectives and accelerating learning.

Being a founding member of WIN has been a career highlight—introducing me to lifelong friends, incredible experiences, and a lot of fun! For the past two years, I’ve had the privilege of serving as Chair of Engagement, helping to lay the foundation for our Membership, Volunteer, Sponsorship, and Partnership Committees. It hasn’t always been easy, but every challenge has been worth it. Bringing Heather Wainer on as Co-Chair has been an incredible addition, ensuring the committee is in great hands. Now, I’m excited to shift my focus toward expanding WIN’s growth and impact even further.

Some of my most influential mentors have been men who empowered me to grow and drive systemic change. Years of sleepless nights, hard work, and tough lessons from poor leaders have shaped me—giving me both resilience and wisdom. These experiences fuel my passion for creating meaningful change. I’m committed to offering a hand up to others, helping them pursue their passions, live their best lives, and strengthen our industry socially and economically on a global scale.

Our industry brings health and wellness to people worldwide, and I believe we should lead by example—modeling economic and societal health and inspiring others to do the same. Lasting change happens when we work together. The diversity of genders, perspectives, and passions is what sparks real innovation—in thought, in business, and in products. True systemic change is not created by one but by many. Together, we can make a difference.”

Karen Todd – RD, CSCS, EP-C, CISSN Vice President Global Brand Marketing Kyowa Hakko USA

Karen E. Todd is a registered dietitian with more than 30 years’ experience in exercise performance and nutritional product development and education.  Karen holds Bachelor of Science degrees in both Scientific Nutrition and Food Science Technology from Texas A&M University and an MBA from the Huizenga School of Business at Nova Southeastern University. 

Currently, she is the Vice President of Global Brand Marketing for Kyowa Hakko where she, she manages marketing and branding for health product ingredients, spanning dietary supplements functional foods and beverages.  Beyond Kyowa, she sits on the executive board of The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), is chair of the Foundation for CRN and chair of the WIN initiative. She also operates TheSupplementDietitian.com as an educational resource for consumers and media, driven by her passion for how dietary supplements and nutraceutical ingredients can support everyone’s lifestyle at any stage.

Karen’s Vision Statement

As one of the founding leaders of Women in Nutraceuticals (WIN), I’ve had the privilege of helping shape this organization from the ground up. Over the past two years, we have made incredible strides in advancing gender equity, fostering leadership opportunities, and creating a powerful network of support for women in our industry. But our work is far from done.

My vision for WIN is to solidify its impact as the driving force for change in the nutraceutical industry by ensuring that we move from inspiration to action. This means setting measurable goals, expanding mentorship and leadership development programs, and strengthening the pipeline of female entrepreneurs and executives. We need to continue elevating women in

business, science, and leadership—showing that diversity isn’t just good ethics, but good business. As I step down from my role as WIN’s inaugural Chair, I am eager to continue serving in a leadership capacity where my expertise can make the greatest impact. Whether through supporting WIN’s measurement of objectives or assisting with the new entrepreneurship committee, I will focus on fostering strategic partnerships, increasing visibility, and ensuring that WIN’s initiatives lead to tangible results. With more than 30 years of experience in the health and nutrition industry, a strong track record in brand marketing, and leadership roles on the Executive Board of the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) and as Chair of the CRN Foundation, I bring the experience, passion, and strategic mindset needed to help WIN thrive. I am committed to making sure WIN not only continues to grow but becomes a lasting force for equity, innovation, and leadership in the nutraceutical industry.

I would be honored to have your support for the 2025 WIN Board of Directors. Together, we can continue building a future where women in nutraceuticals don’t just have a seat at the table—they lead it.

Dr. Sybille Buchwald-Werner – Director Business Development, ABF Ingredients, Managing Director Vital Solutions GmbH

Sybille is a distinguished entrepreneur and scientist with over 20 years of expertise in natural products. With a PhD in Pharmaceutical Chemistry and a Board Readiness Diploma from IMD (in progress), she blends corporate leadership with entrepreneurial success. She has led multinational teams, driven market expansion, and integrated ESG principles into business strategies. As the founder of Vital Solutions, she built a globally recognized company specializing in science-backed, IP-protected branded ingredients, leading it to a successful acquisition by ABFI in 2023. Now, as Director of Business Development, she drives innovation and expansion into new markets.

As WIN founding member and co-chair of the WIN mentorship committee, she champions diversity and female leadership. As a keynote speaker and published author of over 70 scientific works, she inspires industry advancements with her philosophy: “We need science to obtain facts, and we need passion to turn facts into products for a better future.” Serving on the Board of Directors for WIN would be both an honor and a cause close to her heart.

Dr Sybille’s Vision Statement

Shaping the Future of WIN: A Vision for 2027

Dear WIN Members,

Imagine this: It’s the year 2027, and Women in Nutraceuticals has grown into a powerful global force, championing women’s leadership, mentorship, and influence across the industry. Our membership has expanded significantly, with strong representation in Europe, North America, and Asia. Our mentorship program is now a globally recognized initiative, empowering women at all career levels with invaluable guidance, connections, and opportunities. WIN’s corporate sponsorship base has tripled, allowing us to provide funding, resources, and scholarships that directly support female leaders and entrepreneurs in nutraceuticals. WIN has become the go-to platform for women in our industry who seek professional growth, leadership opportunities, and a supportive, influential community. We have a well-established governance structure, strong financial sustainability, and a leadership pipeline that ensures continuous success for years to come.
This is the WIN I envision. This is the WIN I will work to create if elected to the Board.

Why I Am the Right Leader for WIN’s Future

As a founding member and co-chair of the WIN Mentorship Program, I have already played a key role in shaping WIN’s impact. My career has been dedicated to both science and entrepreneurship, and I bring a unique combination of strategic leadership, global industry connections, and a deep commitment to empowering women. To further strengthen my governance expertise, I am currently obtaining a Board Diploma at IMD Business School in Switzerland, equipping me with advanced knowledge in board leadership, governance, finance, risk management, and ESG. This additional qualification will enable me to contribute even more effectively to WIN’s strategic growth and sustainability.

Here’s how my experience aligns with WIN’s future growth:

• Expanding WIN’s European Presence – As a leader with strong ties in the European nutraceutical industry, I will focus on tripling WIN’s European membership and securing key corporate sponsorships to solidify our presence in this critical market.
• Strengthening WIN’s Mentorship Program – I will enhance and expand the WIN Mentorship Program to ensure every woman in our industry—regardless of career stage—has access to high-quality mentorship, leadership development, and networking opportunities.
• Boosting Sponsorship & Financial Sustainability – By leveraging my business development expertise and industry network, I will help WIN attract long-term sponsorships, partnerships, and funding opportunities to sustain and scale our impact.
• Enhancing Diversity & Inclusion – WIN’s strength lies in its diversity. I will ensure our programs are tailored to the unique needs of women across different backgrounds, regions, and career levels, fostering an inclusive and supportive environment. Additionally, it is critical to aim for gender equality in our execution teams, ensuring a full spectrum of perspectives is considered in decision-making. By consciously working to reduce both conscious and unconscious bias, we will create a more equitable, dynamic, and effective leadership structure within WIN.

A Bold Vision for WIN: What I Will Deliver in 2 Years

If elected, my mission is clear: To elevate WIN’s global influence, strengthen our mentorship pipeline, and create lasting opportunities for women in the nutraceutical industry. 

Here’s what WIN will look like after two years under my leadership:

A Stronger, Larger WIN Community

• WIN membership will double in size, reaching more professionals across regions.
• More women will have access to leadership development opportunities, ensuring a strong talent pipeline for the industry.
• WIN’s presence in Europe will be firmly established, with structured programs tailored to European markets.

A Thriving Mentorship Ecosystem

• The WIN Mentorship Program will expand globally, providing mentorship, career development, and leadership training to women at all levels.
• An alumni network will be established, allowing mentees to give back and mentor the next generation.

A Financially Sustainable WIN

• WIN will have secured major corporate sponsorships, ensuring financial sustainability and the ability to fund leadership programs, scholarships, and networking events.

A Recognized Leader in Gender Equity & Leadership

• WIN will be the leading organization driving gender equity in the nutraceutical industry, influencing corporate policies and leadership development strategies.

Why Your Vote Matters

Your vote in this election is not just about choosing a candidate – it’s about choosing the future of WIN. I am committed to making WIN the premier global platform for women in nutraceuticals, where talent is nurtured, leadership is cultivated, and success is celebrated.

With your support, I will bring my strategic leadership, business expertise, and passion for mentorship to the WIN Board. I will work tirelessly to grow WIN’s membership, expand its programs, and ensure our organization is financially strong and globally recognized.

Let’s shape the future of WIN together. Let’s build a community where every woman in nutraceuticals has the support, resources, and opportunities to thrive.

I would be honored to have your vote and the opportunity to serve you on the WIN Board.

Vote for an empowered WIN. Vote for Sybille Buchwald-Werner.

With gratitude and determination,

Dr. Sybille Buchwald-Werner

Shaping the Future Together

WIN’s future is in the hands of its dedicated members, and these candidates bring the expertise and vision needed to propel the organization forward. As the organization transitions into a new era of impact, the leadership of these trailblazers will be instrumental in fostering change, breaking barriers, and championing gender equality in the nutraceutical industry.

Voting Begins March 24 – Voting Ends April 7

Special Invitation for WIN Members: Join us for these virtual events where you can “Ask the Candidates”, giving you the chance to meet the candidates. This is your opportunity to hear their vision, ask questions, and engage in the future of WIN

DATE: Wednesday, March 13

TIME: 3:00 PM EST

Register HERE

DATE: Thursday, March 20

TIME: 11:00 AM EST

Register HERE