Meet the New Entrepreneurship Committee Co-Chairs: Pelin Thorogood and Douglas Lynch

Empowering the Next Generation of Female Entrepreneurs: A Vision for WIN’s Entrepreneurship Committee

Entrepreneurship is more than a passion—it’s a calling. It’s about breaking barriers, creating opportunities, and equipping aspiring entrepreneurs with the confidence and skills they need to succeed. That’s why Pelin Thorogood and Douglas Lynch have taken on the role of Co-Chairs for the WIN Entrepreneurship Committee, bringing their wealth of experience and deep commitment to supporting women-led and women-owned businesses.

Why Pursue the WIN Entrepreneurship Committee Co-Chair Position?

Pelin’s been a lifelong entrepreneur.  "Entrepreneurship is in my DNA—it’s more than a passion; it’s a calling” Pelin says.  “I’m called to help aspiring female entrepreneurs build the skills, confidence, and support they need to succeed." After speaking with WIN’s leadership, she was inspired by their unwavering dedication to empowering women in business.  Pelin adds “WIN’deep commitment to empowering women-led and women-owned businesses isn’t just important; it’s essential for the future of our industry. I also love the incredible momentum behind WIN as that kind of energy is essential for sustained success."

A pivotal moment came when Pelin connected with her Co-Chair, Doug Lynch. Doug’s extensive experience, coupled with his strong belief in gender equality as a catalyst for industry growth, made it clear they shared a common mission and vision. "With his wealth of experience and firsthand insights, paired with his unwavering belief in gender equality as a catalyst for industry growth, I immediately knew we could move mountains if we join forces. Together, Doug and I are committed to accelerating meaningful change—breaking down barriers, creating opportunities, and championing the next generation of female entrepreneurs as they forge their own paths."

Doug’s motivation to take on this role was equally compelling. "Well, for starters, I have such respect for my co-chair Pelin, the company she co-founded, and the revolution Radicle Science potentially represents to the industry. Pelin knows better than anyone the personal and professional difficulties of bringing new ideas for goods and services to life. When I saw that Pelin would be my co-chair, I became very excited about the opportunity to exchange ideas we both have, in order to first assemble a results-driven team on the committee, and inevitably give back, inspire, and support the spark of entrepreneurship, and create new leaders for our industry."

A Vision for Change

Together, Pelin and Doug aim to ignite an abundance mindset among entrepreneurs. "In working with these entrepreneurs, I want to help spark an abundance mindset—one where success isn’t a zero-sum game, but a shared journey of building companies that balance people, purpose, and profit." At Radicle Science, Pelin has witnessed how bold ideas flourish when nurtured in the right environment, and she hopes to extend that same support through WIN.

Their vision is to create a network of WIN members—both seasoned leaders and newcomers—who uplift one another, challenge industry norms, and drive innovation without limits. "Together, we’re fostering a network of WIN members—both seasoned leaders and newcomers—who will lift each other up, challenge the status quo, and collectively create a future where innovation knows no limits."

Doug emphasizes that the current moment in history presents unparalleled opportunities for entrepreneurship, and he is eager to exchange ideas with fellow members to build mission-driven companies with lasting impact. "The opportunities for creating new companies and having them flourish are unrivaled at this unique moment in history. And while I am glad for the opportunity to share some knowledge here, I am so looking forward to exchanging ideas with other members of WIN, experienced and newcomers, on how our respective networks can help each other create companies with passion, companies with mission, and companies with remarkable success."

A Foundation of Experience

Both Pelin and Doug bring a rich background in entrepreneurship, leadership, and mentorship. Pelin has spent her career at the forefront of emerging business trends and transformative technologies, leveraging data and analytics to drive real-world impact. As Chair of the UC San Diego Chancellor’s Innovation & Entrepreneurship Advisory Council, she has helped shape the next generation of innovators through incubator programs and strategic initiatives. "Through my work with The Basement, UC San Diego’s campus-wide incubator, I’ve developed innovation and entrepreneurship programs designed to empower bold ideas and bring them to life."

Doug, with three decades of experience in the health and wellness industry, has managed commercialization efforts for global ingredient players and led marketing for finished products. However, his own entrepreneurial journey exposed him to the challenges of starting a business—from preparing pitch decks to securing investors. "When I went out on my own, I had plenty to learn on how to create and position new companies, how to prepare executive summaries and pitch decks, and how to find and speak to angel investors, private equity, and corporate innovation groups. I am far more efficient at that process now, but I wish tools were easily available to me when I started, in order to streamline the key processes of company creation."

Shaping the Future of Wellness Entrepreneurship

Pelin and Doug are committed to building a framework that equips entrepreneurs with the tools, networks, and mindset needed to succeed. By fostering cohorts of passionate changemakers, they are not just helping businesses grow—they are shaping the future of wellness. The WIN Entrepreneurship Committee is poised to be a powerhouse of innovation, collaboration, and inspiration, and with these two leaders at the helm, the future looks brighter than ever.

The journey has just begun, and Pelin and Doug are ready to pave the way for the next wave of entrepreneurial success. Their message to aspiring entrepreneurs? "The future is exciting and is changing faster than we think… and we’re here to help new entrepreneurs navigate these ever-changing waters as these days it’s even more important than ever to have the entrepreneurial mindset AND grit to drive lasting change in the world."