NutraWomen Wednesday Spotlight: Dr. Chioma Ikonte, Chief Science Officer at Lief Labs

Holding a PhD in pharmaceutical sciences from the University of Southern California (USC), her introduction to the dietary supplement industry began with an internship at Amway’s Nutrilite.

“That was my first real encounter with dietary supplements,” she shared. “It really captivated me and broadened my understanding of how nutrition and botanicals can influence health.”

However, her journey with natural products began long before that. Her time at Nutrilite brought back a poignant memory from her childhood in Nigeria:

“I was quite ill, and my mother took me to a herbalist who prepared a potion that was extremely unpleasant to consume,” she recounted. “I had a high fever and was made to drink it. I had to yield since my mother was there, and I downed it for three consecutive days, even though it was agonizing. But it worked and relieved my fever.”

“At nine years old, I was profoundly impacted by that experience. I became curious about the botanicals and leaves that were mixed to create such a powerful remedy,” she reflected.

“Eventually, I lost that thought until I interned at Nutrilite years later. That childhood memory resurfaced, and everything began to connect.”

Dr. Ikonte emphasized the crucial role that women’s health plays in the overall wellness of families and communities. She stressed the importance of fostering open conversations and improving accessibility to healthcare and nutritional products throughout various stages of a woman’s life. Furthermore, she addressed the health disparities encountered by women, particularly women of color, who are frequently underrepresented in clinical trials. This underrepresentation can hinder a comprehensive understanding of how health products could affect them.

When questioned about essential leadership qualities, Dr. Ikonte highlighted the importance of listening and seizing opportunities to uplift others.

“As you ascend in your career, remember to send the elevator back down for others to rise too,” she advised. “I am deeply committed to cultivating leaders at all levels within the organization, because that’s where genuine progress begins. When leadership exists at every level, you can multiply efforts, making the workload significantly lighter for everyone involved.”