The Annette Dickinson Trailblazer Award, delivered at this year’s CRN Conference in St. Louis, honors those who have made remarkable contributions to the dietary supplement and functional food industry through leadership, innovation and guidance. Dr. Rai was selected for her commitment to mentorship, professional development and “paying it forward.”
“The CRN member community’s selection of Dr. Rai recognizes not only her technical and scientific achievements, but her commitment to lifting up others and amplifying the value of an array of disciplines—science, regulatory, innovation, advocacy, marketing—to deliver meaningful health improvements,” said Gretchen Powers, vice president of marketing and member experience at CRN.
Dr. Rai, vice president of global science, regulatory and advocacy at OmniActive Health Technologies and adjunct professor at Tufts University, reflected on a nearly 20-year career:
“My trailblazing journey is one that has been based on courage and perseverance,” she said. “Courage to go outside of my comfort zone, courage to stand with conviction–even if I’m the lone voice in the room–courage to persevere despite not always being recognized or respected for the feedback and the value you bring to the table. Fortunately, those have been rare instances, but it does happen. And I believe courage to continue to bring others along with you. As you climb, you bring others along with you.”
Dr. Rai added that the award is a testament to the journey that she has taken, tipping her hat to some of the colleagues she has worked with over the years who saw her potential and helped her recognize the possibilities.
Looking ahead, she remains open to new opportunities and committed to advancing science, meaningful products and consumer-focused messaging.
“I have received the Trailblazer Award, but the path of blazing that trail is long, and I have a while to go,” Dr. Rai said. “I am looking forward to new opportunities and seeing how I can continue to give back to the industry to elevate the role we play with our consumers and how we can continue to build on science and bring meaningful products and messages to consumers.”
Dr. Rai has donated the $2,500 grant that came with the award to CRN and American Society for Nutrition Foundation (ASNF) Program for Scholars (CAPS) that provides a travel stipend as well as complimentary registrations to CRN’s Science in Session event.
