Women in Leadership with the Organic & Natural Health Association

Mapping The Nutraceuticals World

Diverse minds in the board room, and science lab, are healthy for business. In this episode I talked Karen Howard, CEO and Executive Director of the Organic & Natural Health Association (O&N); Naomi Whittel, CEO of Naomi Whittel Brands and President of the Board of Directors for O&N; and Sandra Lee, CEO of NJ Labs and a Board Member of O&N.

In March of 2023 Whittel was elevated from her seat on the board of O&N to President of the Board of Directors. She discussed what drew her to the organization, her experiences, and goals coming into this new role.
Lee was also recently appointed to the O&N Board. She discussed how Howard has influenced her as well as her own intentions as part of the association.
Howard offered perspective on how a diverse board of directors better positions the association to achieve its goals.
These women also discussed the challenges and hurdles they’ve faced personally and professionally, and offered advice for women who are starting out in their careers, or those who may feel like they’ve hit a ceiling.
Other topics discussed:

• The impact of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) on the culture and health of organizations;
• Networking, Mentorship and Collaboration
• Women in STEM;
• Underrepresentation of women in clinical research;
• Expectations for DEI and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles in business.

References and Links
Women In Nutraceuticals
Identifying the Elephant in the Room Series
Williams-Franklin Foundation (WFF)
What's Up With Supps at SupplySide East (April 18 event will help raise money for WFF)
Women In STEM
Gender Pay Gap in U.S. Hasn't Changed Much in Two Decades