At the Council for Responsible Nutrition’s annual meeting, Convergence ’24, Radicle Science and CRN awarded Yasmeen Nkrumah-Elie, PhD, global director for external research at ChromaDex, with the first-ever Trailblazing Woman Award.
 
The award honored Nkrumah-Elie for her commitment to advancing science, promoting diversity, and mentoring the next generation of female leaders.
 
“We’re thrilled to celebrate Dr. Nkrumah-Elie’s remarkable achievements and the lasting impact she’s made on our industry,” said Pelin Thorogood, co-founder and executive chairwoman of Radicle Science. “A brilliant researcher, Dr. Nkrumah-Elie’s influence extends far beyond her scientific contributions—she’s a mentor, a connector, and a fierce advocate for women in science. Her passion for creating opportunities and uniting people in meaningful ways is why she’s such a worthy recipient of our inaugural Trailblazing Woman Award.”
 
“Dr. Nkrumah-Elie has led the evolution of the ChromaDex External Research Program (CERP) to become an award-winning and industry-leading research program. Under her leadership, CERP has amassed nearly 300 research collaborations with institutions around the world, over 30 published clinical trials, and several IP opportunities. Dr. Nkrumah-Elie and her dedicated team have elevated CERP to become the gold standard for industry-academia collaboration.”
 
In addition to her leadership role at ChromaDex, Nkrumah-Elie is a member of CRN’s scientific advisory council and contributes to several industry organizations, including Women in Nutraceuticals and the American Society for Nutrition, where she advocates for diversity, equity, and inclusion. She is a frequent speaker at industry conferences, connecting science to broader audiences.
 
“We appreciate Dr. Nkrumah-Elie’s engagement and leadership in the CRN member community,” said Andrea Wong, PhD, senior vice president of scientific and regulatory affairs at CRN. “Her depth of knowledge, combined with her dedication to advancing scientific excellence and mentoring future generations, has made a significant impact.”
 
Nkrumah-Elie was one of five finalists from a pool of CRN member nominees.
 
“I am deeply honored to receive the Trailblazing Woman Award,” said Nkrumah-Elie. “And I am moved by the collective force of inspiring women leading within our dietary supplement industry who continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible, as my fellow finalists demonstrate. I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of an industry dedicated to advancing wellness and improving global health.”