Being in the supplement industry is a great way to make a career—but belonging to the supplement industry is a great way to round out a life dedicated to empowering and improving the health of others, full of friends and meaning. The change from accepting a job role to serving your purpose in the supplement industry can come down to those who you surround yourself with. Inspired industry members have felt the love of the industry and fellow colleagues, and stepped up to create an environment in the nutraceutical space to ensure more people feel like they belong. We’ll learn from them, and how to foster more inclusivity into the mission-driven supplement industry.
This session will:
· Give insights on inclusive organizations individuals can join in the supplement industry.
· Describe how those organizations started and their paths as mainstays in the industry.
· Meet the leaders from those organizations who saw the need and made a difference.
Click here to download Speaker Presentation
| MODERATOR |
 Sandy AlmendarezVice President, Content, SupplySide Sandy Almendarez, vice president, content, Informa, is a skilled strategic content leader with nearly 20 years’ experience in developing and executing compelling, relevant content for targeted markets. She leads the content team for Informa Market’s SupplySide, serving the healthy, sustainable, conscientious consumer packaged goods industry. Her leadership spans community, editorial, content marketing and conference programing for the health and nutrition industry. In the past, she’s led content that helped prisoners, African American businesses and jazz enthusiasts. She an advocate for diversity and inclusion of women, people of color and LBGTQ individuals in business. LinkedIn |
| SPEAKERS |
| Franck Gillet Co-founder, Naturally Proud Network Franck’s educational background includes a master's degree in international business administration, as well as a bachelor's degree in European law. His academic pursuits in law did not predict his career in the natural products industry. Franck's professional journey began over 20 years ago in California with an ingredient manufacturer in the nutraceutical field, an industry he has remained a part of ever since and to which he has been passionately dedicated. After holding leadership positions in various international roles in France, he returned to the U.S. and currently serves as the vice president of sales, North America for Nexira. Franck is a strong advocate for LGBTQ inclusion in the workplace. He firmly believes that fostering an inclusive environment ultimately leads to collective success. He is the co-founder of the non-profit organization Naturally Proud Network, a testament to his dedication to making a difference. Within this network, he focuses on various initiatives, including fundraising efforts, organizing memorable events and championing inclusivity throughout the natural products industry. |
 Michelle MartinPresident & COO, Cypress Systems Inc. Michelle Martin is a creative and accomplished leader who excels in building high-performance teams. She is driven by a mindset of growing top-line revenues, managing cost containment, and maximizing profitability. She strives to stay aware of shifting economies, emerging technologies, evolving mindsets, and the challenges of inflation impacting daily operations. As a devoted health and wellness consumer for over three decades, she takes pride in her involvement in an industry that aligns with her personal passions. She has gained valuable experience and fresh perspectives, working in various industries throughout her career, including embarking on the entrepreneurial journey as a business owner. Her experiences have broadened her knowledge and grown her skill sets, helping create who she is today. Michelle's ultimate fulfillment is driven by working for a company and serving organizations that make a significant impact. Beyond her responsibilities at Cypress, she is a founding member of the Women In Nutraceuticals (WIN) organization and holds the position of Chair of Engagement. By combining her extensive experience, dedication to excellence, and commitment to making a difference, Michelle is a leader driven by purpose and an unwavering desire to create a healthier world. |