Meet the Men of WIN: Salman Mehkri
Salman Mehkri, Head of Business Development at Bio-gen Extracts, is a dedicated and active member of Women In Nutraceuticals, contributing meaningfully to both the WIN India Chapter and WIN Global.
Inspired by his mother, sisters, and a deep commitment to creating a more equitable future for his daughter, Salman is on a continuous journey of learning and advocacy. His standout commitment is his focus on enhancing the work environment at Bio-gen Extracts, supporting career growth on both personal and professional levels for the many women and men who work across the company’s supply chain.
Salman’s efforts go beyond surface-level initiatives—he actively champions policies and practices that open new doors and foster long-term growth, setting a powerful example in the nutraceutical industry for true, actionable support for gender equity.
We sat down with Salman to learn more about his vision, goals and perspectives on equity and parity in the workforce.
Why is the work we do at WIN important to you?
WIN’s mission resonates with us on both a personal and professional level. My family has always championed equal opportunities for women, and my parents played a crucial role in supporting my sisters' aspirations. One of my sisters is a medical doctor, and the other is a postdoctoral fellow, both of whom have faced challenges in their careers due to workplace environments and societal expectations, despite their exceptional qualifications. These experiences have shown the importance of creating environments where women can excel without barriers.
At Bio-gen Extracts, we hold similar values, rooted in empathy and understanding of these challenges. As a company, we are dedicated to prioritizing gender equity, creating a space where women also feel empowered to innovate and grow. WIN allows us to extend this commitment beyond our organization, giving us a platform to share best practices, connect with like-minded professionals, and advocate for industry-wide change, and for the people in our organization to grow together.
How is Bio-gen Extracts enhancing the work environment and supporting career growth for the women and men who work there?
At Bio-gen Extracts, we are committed to creating a workplace where all employees, regardless of gender, feel empowered, supported, and valued. Recognizing the commuting challenges that our manufacturing location presented, especially for women balancing familial responsibilities, we established a corporate office within the city. This shift not only saved valuable commuting time but also allowed our team members to better balance their personal and professional lives. To further support this balance, we offer flexible work arrangements, including remote work options as needed, along with comprehensive policies on medical and maternity leave.
Our culture is designed to be inclusive, moving beyond traditional titles and hierarchies. Here, every individual is encouraged to think of themselves as an entrepreneur, capable of taking ownership and making decisions, with an open-door policy for guidance and support. We strive to provide continuous opportunities for skill-building, leadership development, and knowledge-sharing to help each team member realize their full potential.
At Bio-gen Extracts, we believe that every person’s contribution matters, and we work actively to recognize achievements and celebrate successes. This approach creates a sense of belonging and purpose, inspiring our employees to pursue their aspirations and grow within the company, with a potential path toward leadership roles.
What are your hopes for the future of women in the work world?
We envision a future where society truly understands the invaluable role of women in the workforce—their ability to lead, make impactful decisions, and drive meaningful change. Achieving this vision begins at home, with how we raise our children and instill values of respect, equality, and support. It’s crucial that women not only receive support from men but also from one another, fostering a community of mutual empowerment.
We hope for workplaces where equal pay, work-life balance, and inclusive policies are the standard, allowing women to pursue their ambitions without having to sacrifice personal fulfillment. Through organizations like WIN and companies committed to equity, we are optimistic that we will see more women leaders and innovators shaping not only the nutraceutical industry but also the broader future of business and society.
Contributor to introduction: Gillian Fish, Founder and CEO of The 6AM Agency
