By Sean Moloughney, Editor11.30.23
The stated goal of the Naturally Proud Network, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is “to provide a place where LGBTQ+ friends and professionals can connect with industry peers and create an international network where everyone feels welcome.”
We recently connected with Franck Gillet, co-founder of the Naturally Proud Network, and NPN Board Member Crystal Webber, MS, RD to learn how industry can support the nonprofit’s efforts as well as diversity, equity, and inclusion.
NW: For those who may not know, can you introduce the organization, the work you’re doing, and the impact you intend to make? How can people support your efforts?
Gillet and Webber: The Naturally Proud Network started as a small group of like-minded folks who would carve out a time and location to meet during trade shows. As that group grew in size, we created a passionate and hardworking board of directors, and also landed on becoming a nonprofit organization with a give-back mission at our core. We are humbled by the large numbers of LGBTQ+ folks and allies that attend our events now—as well as the overwhelming support of our corporate sponsors!
We feel our goals are being met and exceeded for two main reasons: we built a word-of-mouth grassroots meetup into a large event with Informa’s backing where all people (including our treasured allies) are welcome and have a wonderful time; and we now return 100% of donations from our members, guests, and sponsors back to LGBTQ+ supporting nonprofits serving the communities we host events in.
Of course, being a nonprofit organization with no membership fees, and events that are open to everyone at no cost, donations and sponsorships are what makes it possible for us to continue holding these events and supporting the local nonprofit community centers. However, our small but dedicated board of directors is now in its fifth year, and due to the rapid growth in popularity and attendance year over year, we could use help in lots of ways—social media management, graphic design/print work, fundraising, and even small things with minimal time commitment required, such as handing out invitations to our trade show events and scanning badges at the door.
NW: What advice would you give to people in the LGBTQ+ community who are starting out in the industry?
Gillet and Webber: We encourage those in the LGBTQ+ community to focus on your authenticity as your superpower. Embrace your unique identity, recognizing it as a force that brings vibrancy and innovation.
We would, of course, recommend joining the Naturally Proud Network (NPN). Indeed, NPN provides more than just camaraderie; learning from those who have navigated similar journeys can be a game-changer.
Our goal is to build a support system that is not only for professional development but also for personal growth because these aspects are intrinsically connected.
NW: How can the dietary supplement and natural products industries better support diversity, equity, and inclusion?
Gillet and Webber: The dietary supplement and natural products industry is a wonderful and connected community, much like an extended family. However, the LGBTQ+ community can often feel a sense of disconnection due to insufficient representation. If we want to enhance support for diversity, equity, and inclusion in our industry, we should begin by acknowledging and addressing the challenges encountered by the LGBTQ+ community. These issues, which are often overlooked, encompass discrimination, insufficient representation in leadership, and a lack of inclusive policies.
This current interview is extremely useful as it helps spread this knowledge to a broader audience.
It is not easy to have these conversations with customers, suppliers, or employees. There’s indeed often hesitation to talk about personal aspects. Breaking these barriers down on both ends helps create an environment where everyone can comfortably express themselves, feeling valued and accepted.
The Naturally Proud Network is offering a safe space and attentive ears for these crucial discussions. The networking events we promote during all major trade shows provide a unique platform for developing a sense of belonging not only to the dietary supplement industry but to a community that looks like you.
I also want to stress that the Naturally Proud Network is not an exclusive community solely for the LGBTQ+ alphabet. Our most significant supporters are our allies.
Finally, let’s not overlook the importance of key opinion leaders in our industry. Encouraging their support for diversity can have a significant impact. When these leaders subscribe, sponsor, or attend our events, it sends a powerful message that influences not only their immediate circles but the entire industry. It starts with simple actions, such as following us on LinkedIn, liking some of our posts, and word and acceptance will spread rapidly.
We recently connected with Franck Gillet, co-founder of the Naturally Proud Network, and NPN Board Member Crystal Webber, MS, RD to learn how industry can support the nonprofit’s efforts as well as diversity, equity, and inclusion.
NW: For those who may not know, can you introduce the organization, the work you’re doing, and the impact you intend to make? How can people support your efforts?
Gillet and Webber: The Naturally Proud Network started as a small group of like-minded folks who would carve out a time and location to meet during trade shows. As that group grew in size, we created a passionate and hardworking board of directors, and also landed on becoming a nonprofit organization with a give-back mission at our core. We are humbled by the large numbers of LGBTQ+ folks and allies that attend our events now—as well as the overwhelming support of our corporate sponsors!
We feel our goals are being met and exceeded for two main reasons: we built a word-of-mouth grassroots meetup into a large event with Informa’s backing where all people (including our treasured allies) are welcome and have a wonderful time; and we now return 100% of donations from our members, guests, and sponsors back to LGBTQ+ supporting nonprofits serving the communities we host events in.
Of course, being a nonprofit organization with no membership fees, and events that are open to everyone at no cost, donations and sponsorships are what makes it possible for us to continue holding these events and supporting the local nonprofit community centers. However, our small but dedicated board of directors is now in its fifth year, and due to the rapid growth in popularity and attendance year over year, we could use help in lots of ways—social media management, graphic design/print work, fundraising, and even small things with minimal time commitment required, such as handing out invitations to our trade show events and scanning badges at the door.
NW: What advice would you give to people in the LGBTQ+ community who are starting out in the industry?
Gillet and Webber: We encourage those in the LGBTQ+ community to focus on your authenticity as your superpower. Embrace your unique identity, recognizing it as a force that brings vibrancy and innovation.
We would, of course, recommend joining the Naturally Proud Network (NPN). Indeed, NPN provides more than just camaraderie; learning from those who have navigated similar journeys can be a game-changer.
Our goal is to build a support system that is not only for professional development but also for personal growth because these aspects are intrinsically connected.
NW: How can the dietary supplement and natural products industries better support diversity, equity, and inclusion?
Gillet and Webber: The dietary supplement and natural products industry is a wonderful and connected community, much like an extended family. However, the LGBTQ+ community can often feel a sense of disconnection due to insufficient representation. If we want to enhance support for diversity, equity, and inclusion in our industry, we should begin by acknowledging and addressing the challenges encountered by the LGBTQ+ community. These issues, which are often overlooked, encompass discrimination, insufficient representation in leadership, and a lack of inclusive policies.
This current interview is extremely useful as it helps spread this knowledge to a broader audience.
It is not easy to have these conversations with customers, suppliers, or employees. There’s indeed often hesitation to talk about personal aspects. Breaking these barriers down on both ends helps create an environment where everyone can comfortably express themselves, feeling valued and accepted.
The Naturally Proud Network is offering a safe space and attentive ears for these crucial discussions. The networking events we promote during all major trade shows provide a unique platform for developing a sense of belonging not only to the dietary supplement industry but to a community that looks like you.
I also want to stress that the Naturally Proud Network is not an exclusive community solely for the LGBTQ+ alphabet. Our most significant supporters are our allies.
Finally, let’s not overlook the importance of key opinion leaders in our industry. Encouraging their support for diversity can have a significant impact. When these leaders subscribe, sponsor, or attend our events, it sends a powerful message that influences not only their immediate circles but the entire industry. It starts with simple actions, such as following us on LinkedIn, liking some of our posts, and word and acceptance will spread rapidly.
