09.06.24
Radicle Science and the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) have announced five finalists for its first-ever Trailblazing Woman Award.
The award recognizes extraordinary women who have significantly contributed to the dietary supplement and functional food industry, breaking barriers and fostering diversity, innovation, and leadership.
CRN members will cast their votes to determine this year’s winner, which will be announced at the association’s annual meeting, Convergence ’24, which is taking place Oct. 9-11 in Salt Lake City.
“The impact of these trailblazing women extends far beyond the lab or boardroom as they shatter barriers in scientific research and innovation,” said Pelin Thorogood, co-founder and chairwoman of Radicle Science. “These finalists aren’t just advancing the science of nutrition; they’re rewriting the rules of business leadership as they dismantle the gender gap to transform consumer health. At Radicle Science, we proudly stand with these fearless pioneers whose relentless drive, passion, and vision are redefining the future of our industry.”
This year’s finalists are:
Brewer is an expert on the microbiome and has spearheaded the development of probiotic products. She is also committed to mentorship and charitable work. “Rachel’s leadership and innovative spirit have made her a trusted figure in our industry. She is a mentor to many and a beacon of inspiration,” said Rob Sinnott, PhD, USANA Health Sciences’ chief scientific officer.
At Unilever Health & Wellbeing Collective, Lauersen oversees a $2 billion division covering multiple categories. She is also known for creating opportunities for women in research and development. “Lori’s leadership has been transformative, not only for our product portfolio but also for the talented women she mentors. She has helped scale a best-in-class R&D program, and consequently made a profound impact on the industry, by implementing the standards and guidance that allow our science-backed products to support consumers’ unique wellbeing journeys,” said Paola Clavijo, head of policy and advocacy at Unilever Health & Wellbeing Collective.
Mozingo has led many generally recognized as safe (GRAS) self-declarations and New Dietary Ingredient Notification (NDIN) approvals, and is recognized for her attention to detail and mentorship. “Amy is the unsung heroine of our industry, ensuring that the complex regulatory landscape is navigated with precision and care,” said William Rowe, CEO at Nutrasource. “Her leadership and dedication are unparalleled, making her an invaluable asset to our industry and a mentor to many.”
Nkrumah-Elie is recognized for advancing industry science, translating these breakthroughs to a general audience, and playing an active role in industry organizations. She is an advocate for women in science and leads a team that manages over 275 research agreements in more than 30 countries. “Yasmeen’s innovative contributions and mentorship have set a high standard in our industry, making her a true trailblazer,” said Eric Ciappio, PhD, RD, senior manager of scientific affairs at Balchem Human Nutrition and Health. “Her insight and passion make her an incredible leader who elevates everyone around her.”
Routier serves as a regulatory lawyer and compliance expert in her role at Xymogen, and is recognized for her ability to maintain high regulatory standards and mentoring colleagues. “Taneesha’s guidance and mentorship have been invaluable, not just for our team but for the entire industry,” said Patricia O’Connell, senior technical services analyst at Xymogen.
“These Trailblazing Woman Award finalists all reflect the dedication and commitment to high ethical and quality standards that exemplify the values of our CRN member companies—and they have demonstrated the power of elevating and inspiring other women in the dietary supplement and functional food space,” said Gretchen Powers, vice president marketing and member experience, CRN. “It was no easy task for our judges to arrive at five finalists from the many nominations received. CRN is fortunate to have such strong leadership within our membership. We are excited to announce the winner at CONVERGNECE ‘24 in Salt Lake City, Oct. 9–11, following our CRN members’ online voting, open through Sept. 12.”
CRN members can review finalists and vote here. The deadline to vote is Sept. 12.
The award recognizes extraordinary women who have significantly contributed to the dietary supplement and functional food industry, breaking barriers and fostering diversity, innovation, and leadership.
CRN members will cast their votes to determine this year’s winner, which will be announced at the association’s annual meeting, Convergence ’24, which is taking place Oct. 9-11 in Salt Lake City.
“The impact of these trailblazing women extends far beyond the lab or boardroom as they shatter barriers in scientific research and innovation,” said Pelin Thorogood, co-founder and chairwoman of Radicle Science. “These finalists aren’t just advancing the science of nutrition; they’re rewriting the rules of business leadership as they dismantle the gender gap to transform consumer health. At Radicle Science, we proudly stand with these fearless pioneers whose relentless drive, passion, and vision are redefining the future of our industry.”
This year’s finalists are:
- Rachel Brewer, PhD, executive director of research and development at USANA Health Sciences
- Lori Lauersen, senior vice president of global research and development at Unilever Health & Wellbeing Collective
- Amy Mozingo, vice president of scientific and regulatory affairs at SGS Nutrasource/GRAS Associates
- Yasmeen Nkrumah-Elie, PhD, global director for external research at ChromaDex
- Taneesha Routier, JD, regulatory lawyer and compliance expert at Xymogen.
Brewer is an expert on the microbiome and has spearheaded the development of probiotic products. She is also committed to mentorship and charitable work. “Rachel’s leadership and innovative spirit have made her a trusted figure in our industry. She is a mentor to many and a beacon of inspiration,” said Rob Sinnott, PhD, USANA Health Sciences’ chief scientific officer.
At Unilever Health & Wellbeing Collective, Lauersen oversees a $2 billion division covering multiple categories. She is also known for creating opportunities for women in research and development. “Lori’s leadership has been transformative, not only for our product portfolio but also for the talented women she mentors. She has helped scale a best-in-class R&D program, and consequently made a profound impact on the industry, by implementing the standards and guidance that allow our science-backed products to support consumers’ unique wellbeing journeys,” said Paola Clavijo, head of policy and advocacy at Unilever Health & Wellbeing Collective.
Mozingo has led many generally recognized as safe (GRAS) self-declarations and New Dietary Ingredient Notification (NDIN) approvals, and is recognized for her attention to detail and mentorship. “Amy is the unsung heroine of our industry, ensuring that the complex regulatory landscape is navigated with precision and care,” said William Rowe, CEO at Nutrasource. “Her leadership and dedication are unparalleled, making her an invaluable asset to our industry and a mentor to many.”
Nkrumah-Elie is recognized for advancing industry science, translating these breakthroughs to a general audience, and playing an active role in industry organizations. She is an advocate for women in science and leads a team that manages over 275 research agreements in more than 30 countries. “Yasmeen’s innovative contributions and mentorship have set a high standard in our industry, making her a true trailblazer,” said Eric Ciappio, PhD, RD, senior manager of scientific affairs at Balchem Human Nutrition and Health. “Her insight and passion make her an incredible leader who elevates everyone around her.”
Routier serves as a regulatory lawyer and compliance expert in her role at Xymogen, and is recognized for her ability to maintain high regulatory standards and mentoring colleagues. “Taneesha’s guidance and mentorship have been invaluable, not just for our team but for the entire industry,” said Patricia O’Connell, senior technical services analyst at Xymogen.
“These Trailblazing Woman Award finalists all reflect the dedication and commitment to high ethical and quality standards that exemplify the values of our CRN member companies—and they have demonstrated the power of elevating and inspiring other women in the dietary supplement and functional food space,” said Gretchen Powers, vice president marketing and member experience, CRN. “It was no easy task for our judges to arrive at five finalists from the many nominations received. CRN is fortunate to have such strong leadership within our membership. We are excited to announce the winner at CONVERGNECE ‘24 in Salt Lake City, Oct. 9–11, following our CRN members’ online voting, open through Sept. 12.”
CRN members can review finalists and vote here. The deadline to vote is Sept. 12.
