A word with

Sybille Buchwald-Werner

Member of AgroFOOD Industry Hi Tech's Scientific Advisory Board

Director of Business Development at ABF Ingredients 

Member of Agro Food Industry Hi Tech Scientific Advisory Board

What is WIN, and when was it founded?

Women In Nutraceuticals (WIN) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering women and promoting their leadership within the nutraceutical industry. WIN was founded in 2022 by a group of leaders in the industry, both female and male, to address the gender gap in this traditionally male-dominated field and to foster greater female participation in all aspects of the nutraceutical sector.


What are the goals and philosophy of WIN?

WIN aims to increase the representation of women in leadership roles within the nutraceutical industry, with a particular focus on C-suite and decision-making positions. The organization’s philosophy centers on creating a supportive community that enables women to grow and advance their careers through mentorship, networking, and leadership development. WIN believes in the power of diversity to drive innovation, and it strives to create an industry where women’s contributions are recognized and valued.


​​​​​​​What are the activities?

WIN engages in various activities aimed at empowering women in the nutraceutical industry:

  • Mentorship Program: These programs pair experienced leaders with mid- or senior-career women to foster professional development and career growth.
  • Leadership Surveys: WIN conducts surveys to assess female representation in leadership positions within the industry, providing a baseline and tracking progress over time.
  • Networking Events: The organization hosts events and workshops that create opportunities for members to connect, share insights, and learn from one another.
  • Educational Initiatives: WIN offers resources such as webinars and training sessions to help members enhance their skills and stay informed about industry trends.
  • An entrepreneurship program designed to empower women-led businesses and expand investment opportunities for women-owned enterprises

How can our readers be part of it?

Readers interested in joining WIN can become members by visiting the official WIN website. Membership provides access to mentorship programs, leadership development opportunities, networking events, and a community of like-minded professionals. They can also follow WIN on social media platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube to stay updated on events and initiatives. Additionally, individuals or companies can support WIN’s mission by becoming sponsors, contributing to the growth of women in the industry.

“Enabling healthy and nutritious foods for people and planet”


Why are you personally a member of WIN?

Being a member of WIN allows me to contribute to a movement that fosters equality, diversity, and empowerment within the nutraceutical industry. I am passionate about supporting women in their professional journeys and believe that mentoring, sharing experiences, and building a supportive network are key to driving meaningful change. By being part of WIN, I can help shape a more inclusive future for the industry, where women have the opportunity to lead, innovate, and make significant contributions.

Explain about the activities of the different committees

WIN has several committees that focus on different aspects of its mission:

  • Mentorship: This group manages the mentorship program, ensuring that mentors and mentees are properly matched and that the program meets its objectives of professional growth.
  • Programming: Responsible for organizing workshops, webinars, and social events that facilitate networking and knowledge sharing among members.
  • Engagement: Focuses on building partnerships with companies, media outlets, and industry organizations to amplify WIN’s message and engage a broader community.
  • Marketing & Communications: Overseeing and maintaining the organization's brand identity, ensuring consistent messaging and positioning across all platforms. The team also conducts research and surveys, like the WIN Leadership Survey, to assess gender representation and to develop strategies for increasing women’s participation in leadership roles.
  • Science: To ensure the growth of women in science and women’s health research across the nutraceutical industry. They organize workshops, webinars, and educational events to inform members and the broader community about scientific advancements, regulatory updates, and best practices in the nutraceutical field.


Which benefits do members have from membership program?

Members of WIN enjoy several benefits:

  • Mentorship Opportunities: Access to the mentorship program allows members to gain guidance and insights from experienced industry professionals.
  • Career Development: Members can attend workshops and training sessions that enhance their professional skills, helping them progress in their careers.
  • Networking: The opportunity to connect with other professionals in the industry can open doors to new opportunities, collaborations, and a support network.
  • Access to Industry Insights: WIN members receive insights from leadership surveys, market trends, and industry news, helping them stay competitive and informed.

You created the mentorship program, tell us about it

The WIN Mentorship Program was designed to provide women in the nutraceutical industry with a platform to connect, learn, and grow. The program pairs experienced leaders with mid- or senior-career women, offering one-on-one mentorship sessions, group meetings, and workshops. It focuses on developing both hard and soft skills, including leadership, strategic thinking, and building resilience. The goal is to empower women to advance in their careers and take on leadership roles, thus closing the gender gap in the industry. The mentorship program has already made a significant impact, creating valuable opportunities for both mentors and mentees to learn from each other and grow together.

Can you elaborate on the applications of Biova's ingredients?

Biova's egg membrane-derived ingredients find applications in several key areas:

  • Nutraceuticals: One of the primary applications of Biova's ingredients is in the dietary supplements market. Our ingredients are used in products designed to support joint health, skin & hair health, and overall wellness.
  • Cosmetics and Personal Care: Biova's ingredients are utilized in the cosmetic industry, particularly in skincare products. They can be used in formulations aimed at improving skin elasticity, hydration, and overall appearance.
  • Pet Nutrition: Biova also extends its ingredient applications to the pet supplement market, offering products that support joint health and mobility in animals.

How does Biova ensure the quality and safety of its ingredients throughout the process, from collecting egg membranes to producing the final water-soluble powdered product?

Biova is in a unique position when it comes to quality assurance and controls. We work with some of the largest egg breaking facilities in the USA. We are vertically integrated with the egg breaking facilities and collect the membranes on site at the breaker. The eggs are broken, and the shells move directly into our patented equipment for membrane removal, before being taken to our plant for further processing.

We have strict controls in place to ensure quality and safety of our ingredients. Additionally, we undergo voluntary audit by the FDA and USDA each year to ensure the highest manufacturing standards.