Empowering Women in Science: How WIN’s Science Committee Co-Chairs Are Shaping the Future of Nutraceuticals
Women In Nutraceuticals' Science Committee Co-Chairs: Leena Pradhan-Nabzdyk, PhD, MBA & Karin Hermoni, PhD
The Women In Nutraceuticals (WIN) Science Committee is led by two dynamic and inspiring co-chairs, Dr. Leena Pradhan-Nabzdyk and Dr. Karin Hermoni. Both leaders bring a wealth of scientific expertise, industry experience, and a shared commitment to fostering inclusivity and innovation within the nutraceuticals sector. Their combined efforts are driving meaningful change, advancing research on women’s health, and creating opportunities for the next generation of female scientists.
Breaking Barriers in Nutraceuticals: From Lab to Leadership
Dr. Leena Pradhan-Nabzdyk is a distinguished life scientist dedicated to bridging the gap between research and practical application. A faculty member at Harvard Medical School since 2005, she has played a key role in fostering collaboration between academia and industry while mentoring emerging scientists and postdoctoral fellows.
Beyond her research contributions, Dr. Pradhan-Nabzdyk is a sought-after speaker at major industry gatherings, including Supply Side West and Women In Nutraceuticals (WIN). She has showcased Canomiks’ groundbreaking work at renowned scientific and industry events such as The American Society of Pharmacognosy (ASP) annual conference and has been featured in Nutraceuticals World.
Holding a PhD in Pharmacology from Tulane University, an MBA from the MIT Sloan School of Management, and a BSc in Biology from the University of Mumbai, she is deeply committed to fostering innovation and supporting underrepresented groups in the field. In addition to her leadership as co-chair of the WIN Science Committee, she serves on the boards of Launch MN and the Jeremiah Program.
Q: What inspired you to take on the role of co-chair for this committee?
A: I’m passionate about empowering women in science and ensuring their contributions are recognized and valued. Throughout my career, I have seen firsthand the challenges women face in the field—limited mentorship opportunities, funding disparities, and barriers to career advancement. Taking on the co-chair role of the WIN Science Committee allows me to help create a supportive space where women in science can share experiences, access resources, and build meaningful connections.
Another key focus for me is driving research on women’s health issues, such as menopause, cardiovascular health, and mental health. We need more research in these areas and greater female representation in clinical trials to better understand and address these health concerns.
Championing Women in Science: A Vision for Change
Dr. Karin Hermoni is a globally recognized nutrition and wellness expert who seamlessly blends cutting-edge scientific expertise with extensive industry experience. She has spearheaded numerous clinical trials and remains deeply passionate about holistic wellness and advancing women’s health. As the co-chair of the WIN Science Committee, she dedicates her efforts to fostering inclusivity and innovation in the nutraceutical industry.
In her role at Suannutra, she leads innovation, product development, and scientific substantiation, ensuring these values are embedded in the company’s strategy. Additionally, Dr. Hermoni founded Imagine Health, a consultancy designed to help companies navigate the journey of science commercialization. With a focus on delivering products that benefit both people and the planet, her work exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to sustainable wellness.
Q: What inspired you to take on the role of co-chair for this committee?
A: I was inspired to drive meaningful change in our industry when I realized the significant gap in data and methodologies supporting women in science. My work in innovation and clinical substantiation of dietary supplements made it clear how often women’s needs were overlooked in research and product development. A friend’s observation made me aware that, despite my best intentions, I had unintentionally contributed to this imbalance by prioritizing male subjects to simplify protocols. Once I saw the issue, I couldn’t unsee it, and it ignited a passion to create lasting change.
This realization motivated me to join the committee, surrounding myself with like-minded professionals committed to advancing inclusivity in science. Founding my boutique consultancy later gave me the flexibility, and I was honored to take on a more active role as co-chair of the Science Committee. Along the way, I discovered the courage it takes to step out of my comfort zone and the importance of having supportive mentors. Now, I’m humbled to pay it forward by empowering women scientists and fostering a community capable of achieving incredible things together.
A Shared Vision for the Future of Nutraceuticals
Together, Leena and Karin are leading initiatives that address key challenges in women’s health research, create mentorship opportunities, and strengthen the pipeline of female talent in science. Their committee’s recent successes include:
A webinar program that empowers members and shapes industry practices to better address women’s needs.
A database connecting organizations with clinical research organizations and university labs to facilitate research on nutraceutical products.
The Early Investigator Sub-Committee, which supports early-career women in science and helps them navigate professional trajectories.
The development of bite-sized educational videos to make scientific knowledge more accessible to non-scientists.
A mentoring program designed to guide women scientists in their career growth.
By fostering collaboration, transparency, and inclusivity, Leena and Karin are ensuring that WIN’s Science Committee remains a hub of innovation and support for women in the industry.
Q: How do you envision your committee’s work shaping the future of the nutraceuticals industry?
Leena: Our efforts to empower women directly contribute to advancing the nutraceuticals industry. A leadership team that includes women and reflects diverse perspectives is not only a smart strategy but also a financially rewarding one. By promoting initiatives that support women—whether in career development or women’s health research—our committee is helping drive the growth and success of the industry.
Karin: The WIN Science Committee aims to transform the nutraceutical industry by fostering and inspiring innovation by women, for women. We envision an industry where women lead in science, research, and executive roles, driving innovation in women’s health to benefit end consumers, our industry, and our respective organizations.
Final Thoughts
Dr. Leena Pradhan-Nabzdyk and Dr. Karin Hermoni’s leadership is paving the way for greater inclusivity, research advancement, and opportunities for women in the nutraceutical industry. Through their work with WIN and beyond, they are shaping a future where women’s health research and career opportunities are given the attention they deserve. Their passion, dedication, and expertise continue to inspire a new generation of women scientists, ensuring that the nutraceutical industry remains at the forefront of scientific innovation and inclusivity.
