Company: Cymbiotika
Company Description: At Cymbiotika we understand that the path to health isn’t always straightforward. There are so many factors that can impact your health and well-being, like your diet, environment, lifestyle, and everyday habits. We're here–to offer guidance, share our knowledge, and provide truly life-changing products that will support your unique journey to health and vitality.
Nomination Category: Individual Awards Categories
Nomination Sub Category: Best Female Entrepreneur – Consumer Products –11 to 2,500 Employees
 Nomination Title: Durana Elmi, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer
- Which will you submit for your nomination in this category, a video of up to five (5) minutes, explaining the achievements since July 1, 2022 of the nominated woman, OR written answers to the questions? (Choose one):
Written answers to the questions
- If you are submitting a video of up to five (5) minutes in length, provide the URL of the video here, OR attach it to your entry via the "Add Attachments, Videos, or Links to This Entry" link above, through which you may also upload a copy of your video. If you are submitting written answers to the questions for this category, provide them in the spaces below:
- Briefly describe the nominated individual: history and past performance (up to 200 words):
Total 140 words used.
Raised in a traditional Afghan home, Durana Elmi refused to let her difficult beginnings dictate her future. Facing adversity early on, Durana decided to play the hand she was dealt on her own terms, setting her on a path that would transform her life.
In 2018, Durana founded Cymbiotika, a thriving wellness empire that is redefining health and wellness. More than just a supplement company, Cymbiotika is a movement.
At the core of Cymbiotika is Durana's commitment to gender equality and empowerment. This ethos is reflected internally, where 60% of leadership roles are filled by women. For Durana, empowering women is more than a mission—it's her life’s work and a catalyst for every decision and action the company takes. What began as a dream has now transformed into a wellness empire that is inspiring millions worldwide to prioritize their health.
- Outline the nominee's achievements since July 1 2022 that you wish to bring to the judges' attention (up to 250 words):
Total 128 words used.
Under Durana’s visionary leadership, Cymbiotika has skyrocketed to impressive heights, earning recognition as Fortune’s Best Place to Work for four consecutive years. In 2023, the company was named one of Inc.’s Fastest Growing Companies for the third consecutive year in a row. That same year, Durana was honored as Business Woman of the Year by the San Diego Business Journal, highlighting her dedication and entrepreneurial skills. Durana was recently recognized as one of the 2024 Inc. 250 Female Founders, an accolade that not only highlights her personal achievements but also the significant impact of her vision. Durana's most recent achievement is that she was named winner #2 on the list as a 2024 Women Presidents Organization's 50 Fastest Growing Women-Owned/Led Companies™, sponsored by JPMorgan Chase Commercial Banking.
- Explain why the achievements you have highlighted are unique or significant. If possible compare the achievements to the performance of other players in your industry and/or to the nominee's past performance (up to 250 words):
Total 160 words used.
If not quite a story of rags to riches, the story of Durana Elmi’s rise to success surely comes close. Born in Afghanistan, Durana witnessed poverty, injustice, and oppression everywhere she turned, especially towards women who sought freedom and equality. Having immigrated to the United States at a young age in search of a different life, Durana's journey took a decisive turn after her studies at UCLA. With a tenacious spirit, she ascended the corporate ladder swiftly, cultivating a rich tapestry of professional experiences in the dynamic landscape of Corporate America. Each step in her journey contributed to her growth and honed her invaluable skills in business and relationship management.
Durana is living proof for women that it is possible to balance the roles of being a loving mother, a supportive wife, and successful business woman. It is her mission to inspire and teach women to pursue their dreams without having to make compromises in any aspects of their lives.
- Reference any attachments of supporting materials throughout this nomination and how they provide evidence of the claims you have made in this nomination (up to 250 words):
Total 35 words used.
I have attached photos of the INC magazine announcing Durana has one of the 2024 INC 250 Femal Founders as well as an image of that award. I also attached images of her SDBJ Awards
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