Where can diverse CPG founders gain the resources and connections needed to succeed?

Diverse — and often underrepresented — groups have the power to take the industry to another level. In order to do so, there needs to be communities and networks that can support, coach, point them in the right direction, and help them access the resources they need to thrive. Through the incredible stories of brands that have already succeeded despite the barriers, Katrina Tolentino is sharing how networks in the CPG industry are working to support marginalized voices and leaders.

In this episode of the Gooder Podcast, host Diana Fryc sits down with Katrina Tolentino, the Executive Director at Naturally Network, to discuss how they help underrepresented CPG founders succeed. Katrina explains what Naturally Network does for the CPG industry, how the M/O Fellowship helps CPG brands prosper, and the partners and people she’s looking up to as advisors in the program.

In this episode we learn:

• Katrina Tolentino talks about Naturally Network and what it does for the CPG industry
• The journey of how Katrina became the Executive Director of Naturally Network
• What is the M/O Fellowship, and how does it help brands succeed in the CPG industry?
• How NielsenIQ got to partner with Naturally Network
• What Katrina hopes Naturally Network’s program will look like in the future
• The advisors and women leaders Katrina looks up to
• The product trends Katrina has her eyes on

Empowering Underrepresented CPG Founders Featuring Katrina Tolentino, Naturally Network

About Katrina Tolentino

Katrina Tolentino is the Executive Director at Naturally Network, a national community for natural, organic, and better-for-you consumer packaged goods. Katrina creates opportunities and experiences that foster connections between diverse groups to build a stronger ecosystem. She has over 17 years of experience in launching and scaling organizations and programs through partnerships, program and experience strategy, and community engagement. Prior to Naturally Network, Katrina was the Executive Director at Naturally Austin, where she launched the M/O Fellowship, a six-month program that supports CPG founders of color.

Guests Social Media Links: 

LinkedIn Katrina Tolentino: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katrinatolentino/

Website: https://www.naturallynetwork.org/

Show Resources: 

• Naturally Network
• Katrina Tolentino on LinkedIn
• M/O Fellowship
• NielsenIQ
• Natalie Shmulik on LinkedIn
• Aimy Steadman on LinkedIn
• Ayeshah Abuelhiga on LinkedIn
• Natalie Shmulik on the Gooder Podcast
• Diana Fryc on LinkedIn
• Retail Voodoo

Sponsor for this episode…

This episode is brought to you by Retail Voodoo. 

Retail Voodoo has been building beloved and dominant brands in the food, wellness, beverage, and fitness CPG industries for over 30 years. They’ve served multinational companies like PepsiCo. and Starbucks, startups like High Key, and everything in between. 

Their proven process guides hundreds of mission-driven consumer brands to attract a broad and passionate fan base, crush their categories through growth and innovation, and magnify their social and environmental impact. 

So, if you are ready to find a partner that will help your business create a high-impact strategy that gives your brand an advantage, Retail Voodoo is here to help.

Visit retail-voodoo.com or email info@retail-voodoo.com to learn more.