Our Story

Amidst changing economies and cultures, it can be difficult to pause and say ‘What if.’ But that’s what Lara Dickinson has done. Through her impactful and heart centered leadership, Lara catalyzes teams, products and collaborations that are transforming the natural products industry.

As Executive Director and Co-Founder of One Step Closer (OSC), Lara turns challenges into actionable inspiration for a network of purpose-driven CEOs building regenerative business models. These inspirations have birthed many projects, including: the Climate Collaborative, an alliance of nearly 1000 organizations; the J.E.D.I Collaborative, which provides resources and roadmaps for companies committed to equitable change across the natural products industry; and the OSC Packaging Collaborative, which aims the industry toward zero waste. Most recently, Lara has co-founded the OSC Fund, OSC Women’s Circles and Purpose Pledge.

She has been in the CPG and natural and supplemental products industry for 28 years, including serving as CEO of LightFull Foods, VP Marketing & Retail Sales at Numi Organic Tea, and VP of Marketing at the Balance Bar Company leading up to its acquisition by a major CPG company. She started her career at Reckitt Benckiser. 

She and her family of 18 (that includes 3 kids, plus chickens, puppies and a bunny) live on the ancestral land of the Ohlone people, also called Oakland, California.

As the Director of the Packaging Collaborative, Eliza brings a strong background in sustainability, climate science, and environmental advocacy to support OSC’s mission.

Eliza’s experience spans the CPG and natural products industry, having previously worked on the brand side of the industry to achieve certifications and implement sustainable practices. Additionally, as a consultant specializing in sustainability certifications and policy adaptation, Eliza has been impactful in driving a range of businesses towards more eco-conscious practices. With a Master’s in Climate Science and Policy from Scripps Institution of Oceanography, and a Bachelor’s in Environmental Studies from Tulane University, Eliza has dedicated her career to environmental stewardship and corporate responsibility.

Outside of her professional life, Eliza is an environmental advocate who once launched a successful lobbyist movement to have recycling bin infrastructure installed in the New Orleans International Airport. She has been involved with multiple nonprofits ranging from an urban resilience organization in New Orleans, LA, to a trail cleanup group in San Diego, CA. She has also worked on a regenerative organic community farm, where she experienced firsthand the value of community supported agriculture and the power of the land to bring people together. Eliza is also writing a book, Nature Rx, Nature Connection & Eco Therapeutic Practices for Health, Hope, & Earth Stewardship, which will be published soon.

Eliza lives in beautiful San Diego, CA, with her husband, a Lieutenant in the United States Navy, and their little dog Frank.

Cindy Curtis-Rivera comes to One Step Closer (OSC) as Communications and Operations Manager with extensive experience designing systems and strategies for purpose-driven organizations. She brings a unique blend of creative and analytical expertise developed through her consultancy, Marea Alta, where she helped social impact companies build resilient operational systems and compelling brand identities.

Amidst changing economies and cultures, it can be difficult to pause and say ‘What if.’ But that’s what Lara Dickinson has done. Through her impactful and heart centered leadership, Lara catalyzes teams, products and collaborations that are transforming the natural products industry.

As Executive Director and Co-Founder of One Step Closer (OSC), Lara turns challenges into actionable inspiration for a network of purpose-driven CEOs building regenerative business models. These inspirations have birthed many projects, including: the Climate Collaborative, an alliance of nearly 1000 organizations; the J.E.D.I Collaborative, which provides resources and roadmaps for companies committed to equitable change across the natural products industry; and the OSC Packaging Collaborative, which aims the industry toward zero waste. Most recently, Lara has co-founded the OSC Fund, OSC Women’s Circles and Purpose Pledge.

She has been in the CPG and natural and supplemental products industry for 28 years, including serving as CEO of LightFull Foods, VP Marketing & Retail Sales at Numi Organic Tea, and VP of Marketing at the Balance Bar Company leading up to its acquisition by a major CPG company. She started her career at Reckitt Benckiser. 

She and her family of 18 (that includes 3 kids, plus chickens, puppies and a bunny) live on the ancestral land of the Ohlone people, also called Oakland, California.

Neil Blomquist is the former President and CEO for Spectrum Organic Products, Inc., the leading producer of natural and organic culinary and nutraceutical oils, condiments, and essential fatty acid supplement oils in North America. Having also been a sales manager with Fairhill Foods, and the owner of a natural and specialty food retail store in Kalispell, MT, Neil brings over 40 years experience in retailing, distribution, brand marketing and organizational management within the organic and natural products industry.

Caroline Duell is Founder and CEO of All Good.  Based in Morro Bay, California, All Good makes organic and botanical body care products including All Good Goop, healing balm, and a line of zinc based sunscreens.  After years of working in the combined fields of emergency medicine, wilderness education and holistic healing, Caroline turned her farm based salve-making hobby into a business.  In 2006, she joined 1% for the Planet, and in 2009, she certified the company as a B Corp.  All Good products are available globally in natural foods stores, outdoor and gift shops, online, and as private label purchases for businesses.

Sheryl O’Loughlin is an accomplished entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience leading natural products companies with her trademark bold humility rooted in love.

In 2017, Sheryl introduced her first book, Killing It: An Entrepreneur’s Guide to Keeping Your Head Without Losing Your Heart (HarperBusiness). The book has been featured in Fortune, Conscious Company, Inc., Forbes and Huffington Post, among others.

Edouard Rollet heads Alter Eco Americas, PBC as co-founder and co-CEO. A seasoned leader and innovator, Rollet brings more than 15 years of experience. As co-CEO, Rollet leads sourcing and supply chains strategy, financial and operational strategy, brand development and innovations. Rollet co-founded Alter Eco in the United States in 2005 with a vision to change the world and introduce delicious, nutritious and environmentally responsible products.