Mapping The Nutraceuticals World

Women in Leadership with the Organic & Natural Health Association

April 14, 2023 Nutraceuticals World Episode 11
Women in Leadership with the Organic & Natural Health Association
Mapping The Nutraceuticals World
More Info
Mapping The Nutraceuticals World
Women in Leadership with the Organic & Natural Health Association
Apr 14, 2023 Episode 11
Nutraceuticals World


Diverse minds in the board room, and science lab, are healthy for business. In this episode I talked  Karen Howard, CEO and Executive Director of the Organic & Natural Health Association (O&N); Naomi Whittel, CEO of Naomi Whittel Brands and President of the Board of Directors for O&N; and Sandra Lee, CEO of NJ Labs and a Board Member of O&N. 


In March of 2023  Whittel was elevated from her seat on the board of O&N to President of the Board of Directors. She discussed what drew her to the organization, her experiences, and goals coming into this new role.

Lee was also recently appointed to the O&N Board. She discussed how  Howard has influenced her as well as her own intentions as part of the association. 

Howard offered perspective on how a diverse board of directors better positions the association to achieve its goals.

These women also discussed the challenges and hurdles they’ve faced personally and professionally, and offered advice for women who are starting out in their careers, or those who may feel like they’ve hit a ceiling.

Other topics discussed:

  • The impact of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) on the culture and health of organizations;
  • Networking, Mentorship and Collaboration
  • Women in STEM;
  • Underrepresentation of women in clinical research;
  • Expectations for DEI and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles in business.


References and Links

Women In Nutraceuticals

Identifying the Elephant in the Room Series

Williams-Franklin Foundation (WFF)

What's Up With Supps at SupplySide East (April 18 event will help raise money for WFF)

Women In STEM

Gender Pay Gap in U.S. Hasn't Changed Much in Two Decades

Show Notes


Diverse minds in the board room, and science lab, are healthy for business. In this episode I talked  Karen Howard, CEO and Executive Director of the Organic & Natural Health Association (O&N); Naomi Whittel, CEO of Naomi Whittel Brands and President of the Board of Directors for O&N; and Sandra Lee, CEO of NJ Labs and a Board Member of O&N. 


In March of 2023  Whittel was elevated from her seat on the board of O&N to President of the Board of Directors. She discussed what drew her to the organization, her experiences, and goals coming into this new role.

Lee was also recently appointed to the O&N Board. She discussed how  Howard has influenced her as well as her own intentions as part of the association. 

Howard offered perspective on how a diverse board of directors better positions the association to achieve its goals.

These women also discussed the challenges and hurdles they’ve faced personally and professionally, and offered advice for women who are starting out in their careers, or those who may feel like they’ve hit a ceiling.

Other topics discussed:

  • The impact of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) on the culture and health of organizations;
  • Networking, Mentorship and Collaboration
  • Women in STEM;
  • Underrepresentation of women in clinical research;
  • Expectations for DEI and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles in business.


References and Links

Women In Nutraceuticals

Identifying the Elephant in the Room Series

Williams-Franklin Foundation (WFF)

What's Up With Supps at SupplySide East (April 18 event will help raise money for WFF)

Women In STEM

Gender Pay Gap in U.S. Hasn't Changed Much in Two Decades