AstaReal Champions Gender Equality in Nutraceuticals
At Women In Nutraceuticals (WIN), we are proud to partner with companies that share our vision for a more inclusive and equitable industry. Recently, we sat down with AstaReal, a founding Silver Sponsor of WIN, to learn more about what inspired them to support gender equality, how they foster diversity within their organization, and what motivates them to drive meaningful change in the nutraceutical space.
In this conversation, Karen Hecht, VP of Science, Susan Harmahi, Scientific Communication Specialist, and other key AstaReal team members shared their insights on why supporting WIN aligns with their core values, how diversity strengthens their company culture, and their advice for industry leaders looking to create more inclusive workplaces.
Read on to discover how AstaReal is leading by example, championing women’s health research, and creating opportunities for all in the nutraceutical industry.
Why We Support Women In Nutraceuticals
At AstaReal, supporting gender equality isn't just an initiative—it’s part of our core values and a guiding principle in how we do business. As a founding Silver Sponsor of Women In Nutraceuticals (WIN), we are deeply committed to fostering inclusivity, driving scientific research that benefits women’s health, and championing diverse leadership in the nutraceutical industry.
Our involvement with WIN is a natural extension of our commitment to both scientific advancement and industry inclusivity. Karen Hecht, VP of Science, and Susan Harmahi, Scientific Communication Specialist, explain:
“Our inspiration in supporting WIN stems from a strategic alignment with our core company values and commitment to advancing the industry through inclusion and evidence-based practices. We actively listen to our customers, whose voices provide critical insights into the challenges faced by both genders as consumers and professionals in the nutraceutical space.”
At AstaReal, we don’t just talk about gender equality—we take action. Our research efforts focus on women’s health, including studies on skin health, post-menopausal health, sarcopenia in sub-groups, and the performance and recovery of female athletes. By addressing these research gaps, we aim to provide meaningful solutions tailored to women’s unique health needs.
The Business & Cultural Impact of Gender Equality
Fostering a gender-diverse workforce isn’t just about fairness—it’s about better business outcomes. Karen Hecht, Susan Harmahi, and Randi Witt, Deputy Office Manager, share how diversity strengthens our company:
“AstaReal fosters a gender-diverse workforce that reflects the diversity of our customer base. This representation provides a broader range of perspectives and insights, which directly influences how we approach market demands and innovate product development.”
Diversity also strengthens our company culture by promoting equity and mutual respect. By embracing an inclusive hiring approach, we attract top talent and solidify our position as a leader in the nutraceutical sector, committed to global standards of diversity and inclusion.
Advice for Leaders Seeking to Build Inclusive Workplaces
Creating a more inclusive workplace starts at the top. Leaders must set the example and actively work to foster diversity within their organizations. Our leadership team, including Karen Hecht, Susan Harmahi, Randi Witt, Jose Angel Gutierrez (Product Coordinator/Trainer), Elisabeth Bermejo Padilla (Microalgae Director), and Brandi Larsen (Quality Manager), believes in empowering all employees:
“Lead by example. Foster a diverse and inclusive organization where all individuals, regardless of gender or background, can thrive. At AstaReal, the high representation of women in leadership positions has not only advanced gender equality within the company but has also contributed to employee retention by fostering a shared sense of growth and opportunity for both women and men.”
Embracing Kaizen: Continuous Improvement Through Inclusion
AstaReal embraces Kaizen, a philosophy of continuous improvement that encourages every employee to contribute ideas and solutions.
“This openness for everyone to have a voice fosters a workplace culture where small, consistent changes lead to significant advancements. Involving a diverse mixture of employees in identifying and solving problems not only boosts morale through a sense of ownership and contribution but also promotes equity by valuing every team member’s voice and ideas.”
A Culture of Support & Encouragement
Encouraging cross-functional experiences and fostering an inclusive team environment are key to our success. Jose Angel Gutierrez, Production Coordinator and Trainer, puts it best:
“Being here for 10 years, I have worked with many men and women, and we all have put in the same effort for the common goal—to make the best Astaxanthin in the world. The great leaders we have leading from the front only make it that much better to work here. Like I always say to my workers, ‘You can't be the track, you got to be the train.’”
Moving Forward Together
At AstaReal, we believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion are not just ethical imperatives but essential for innovation and industry growth. By supporting organizations like WIN and embedding these principles into our company culture, we are helping to create a more inclusive, motivated, and forward-thinking nutraceutical industry.
To learn more about our work, visit www.astarealusa.com.
