NutraWomen Wednesday: Traci Kantowski, Cypress Systems

Twenty years ago, the PR agency Traci Kantowski worked for won the Pharmavite account, and she’s been writing love letters to the nutraceuticals industry ever since. As the VP of global communications and business development at Cypress Systems, Kantowski creates buzz, builds awareness and educates the market on natural products.

“I really decided that I needed to focus my efforts on nutraceuticals and all the good they do in the world and the way that they empower people to take control of their health,” she said. “And from then on, there was nothing else for me.”

Kantowski also volunteers at her kids' schools, is involved with local women's organizations like the Junior League and as a runner herself, volunteers at a lot of races.

“I encourage everybody to find a volunteer opportunity that speaks to you. At Cyprus, I'm very fortunate because one of the things that we do is we give back 1% of everything to the Thousand Plus nonprofit and that helps women and children in Africa,” said Kantowski. “So I get to give back both in work and personal.” 

Kantowski also gives back to women in the industry as one of the founding members of Women in Nutraceuticals (WIN). 

“The [WIN] community is the very best part of that and the connections that you make. So the current job I'm in actually came via a connection I had made through Michelle Martin, another one of the founding members [of WIN], and she's the president and COO at Cyprus.”

Kantowski encouraged anyone looking for a job or hiring to check out the WIN job board.