Spotlight Member Bina Kamath
Bina conceptualized and created Orion’s Reach - a nonprofit organization based on a mentorship model. The concept is unique in that it matches multiple mentors to a mentee to provide maximum benefit. The program is inclusive in terms of accepting all individuals for an all-encompassing mentoring program. All of her philanthropic efforts have been directed to empowering, influencing and energizing women. She received top mentor award for 2019-2020 from CCIS and similarly by Women in Leadership Foundation for her outstanding contribution and dedication. Bina was featured in 2019 & 2020 Know Book Calgary as one of top female leaders. As a board member, she participated in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) virtual think tanks with UN Women and International Performance Institute of Canada. Her 20 years’ experience and knowledge in HR has been instrumental in designing and formulating mentorship programs for many non-profits. Bina’s position as CEO and Founder of Orion’s Reach enables her to mentor and advocate for women’s success and professional fulfilment. She is also a member of WEKH (Women Entrepreneurs Knowledge Hub) where she advocates for women as entrepreneurs as a part of federal government initiative to close the gender gap and double the number of women entrepreneurs.
What is your definition of a Woman of Inspiration?
Woman of Inspiration is who defies all odds, reverses stereotypes and is not afraid of showing up as her true authentic self. Unapologetic and fiercely confident in her abilities
Everyone woman has a story. Why did you start your business or choose your career path?
My business is my passion project. I learned at a very early age that helping others succeed was my calling or purpose in life. I started my business when I realized that despite all my successes, something was missing. I did not feel fulfilled. I was being overlooked for promotions at work and I was demotivated. Orion's Reach is that ray of sunshine and hope for every woman that you control your own destiny.
When you were growing up, who were the female role models you look up to?
My Math teacher in school who laid the foundation for sound mathematical concepts and my professors in University who recognized my skills before I did.
What is the best advice you were ever given?
Never let anyone tell you, you can't do something because you are a girl
What is the worst advice you were even given?
You cannot be an entrepreneur. You don't have what it takes
This is the decade for women to drive change. Why is now so important to empower women to be seen, heard and valued?
So we can have positive female role-models – to learn from each other and to help motivate others It is time we start to celebrate being women – stop apologizing and people-pleasing. It is time we show up as ourselves. To build a community which could be our support network - a safe space to share learnings and own our fears
Your win is our win. What achievement are you most proud of?
My ability to influence people and being able to use it in my own venture Orion's Reach
What would you like to achieve in the next five years?
Have Orion's Reach be a brand and start creating mentorship programs in remote areas
A daily non-negotiable for me is....
Working out
I cannot live without my....
Drive and passion for what I do
Outside of work, I love to....
Travel the world, oil painting and solving logic puzzles
My power song is.....
Never Give Up by Sia
