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Kristin Kagetsu

Co-Founder at Saathi | Circular Economy | Forbes U30 (Hiring in India!)

Kristin Kagetsu is a prominent social entrepreneur and the co-founder and CEO of Saathi, a company dedicated to providing sustainable menstrual hygiene solutions in India. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and has been actively involved in projects aimed at empowering women and promoting sustainable practices.

Background and Career

Before co-founding Saathi in 2015, Kristin worked as a hardware engineer at Oracle, where she designed data servers. Her passion for sustainable manufacturing and women's issues led her to collaborate on various projects, including developing natural dye crayons with local artisans in Uttarakhand, India. This experience deepened her commitment to social entrepreneurship and sustainable product design.123

Saathi's Mission

Saathi produces eco-friendly sanitary pads made from locally sourced banana fiber, addressing the pressing issue of menstrual hygiene for women in rural India. The company aims to provide affordable and biodegradable sanitary products while also creating employment opportunities for local women. Saathi's innovative approach not only helps combat the stigma surrounding menstruation but also contributes to environmental sustainability by reducing plastic waste associated with traditional sanitary products.124

Recognition and Impact

Under Kristin's leadership, Saathi has received global recognition for its impact and innovation, being featured in publications such as Time Magazine and Forbes. Kristin has also been acknowledged as a Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia Fellow and an Asia Society Young Leader, among other accolades.234

Kristin Kagetsu continues to advocate for women's health and environmental sustainability through her work at Saathi, making significant strides in improving access to menstrual hygiene products for millions of women in India.

Highlights

Rethinking Feminine Hygiene in India - MIT Technology Review

Related Questions

What inspired Kristin Kagetsu to start Saathi?
How does Saathi's use of banana fiber impact the environment?
What are some of the awards and recognitions Saathi has received?
How does Saathi measure its impact on the UN Sustainable Development Goals?
What challenges did Kristin face when launching Saathi?
Kristin Kagetsu
Kristin Kagetsu, photo 1
Kristin Kagetsu, photo 2
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Location

Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India