Namaste, Brown Girl
Spicy wins only: This week’s episode is for every founder who believes that profits and purpose can (and should) go hand in hand.
Episode 5 of Brown Girls, Bold Moves brings together science, resilience, and impact investing—served hot, bold, and so, so real.
🎙️Brown Girls, Bold Moves Podcast
EPISODE 5 SPOTLIGHT
Resilience, Science, and Impact – The Clean Tech Playbook
If you think business is about more than the bottom line, this episode is your new starter kit. Host Bhargavi Varma meets trailblazing founder Nivatha Balendra (Dispersa) and values-driven investor Olga Cruz (BDC) to talk about building cleantech solutions from cancer survival, family legacy, and a vision for a cleaner world.
Nivatha Balendra: Cancer survivor, biotech innovator, founder of Dispersa, and one of Forbes 30 Under 30—turning science projects into solutions for our planet.
Olga Cruz: Cleantech investor, meditation teacher, and leader at BDC’s Thrive Lab, showing how seva and clarity can power investments with soul.
Key Takeaways:
Resilience is a founder’s best tech: From fighting cancer to closing rounds, Nivatha’s journey proves that grit isn’t optional—it’s everything.
Science with soul: Dispersa’s eco surfactants came straight from 17-year-old Nivatha’s backyard research into cleanup after Canada’s Lac-Mégantic oil spill. If you’ve ever wondered why representation matters in STEM, here’s your answer.
Investors with heart: Olga’s story blends meditation, seva, and impact investing—want to build inner capacity while growing your company? Grab her tips for founders and fellow investors.
The Canadian ecosystem is rich with talent and opportunities, and women-led impact funds are finally taking center stage.
Memorable Quotes:
“If you can survive 59 ‘no’s, you’re training for the ‘yes’ that will change your life.” – Nivatha Balendra
“The best investments start with intuition and heart, not just a spreadsheet.” – Olga Cruz
Bold Moves & Big Wins:
Nivatha literally had a bacterium named after her before age 21—and has been breaking new ground in cleantech ever since.
Olga’s unique philosophy merges business and breathwork, inspiring founders not just to lead, but to thrive and give back.
Why you should watch/listen:
For anyone balancing hustle with healing, or seeking proof that women’s insight is changing the world, this episode is your blueprint for profitable, purposeful work.
💜Catch Episode 5 on YouTube
💬Forward to a founder who can use a dose of hope.
🌶️Reply and tell us: What’s your story of resilience? It might make the next issue!
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